No Bail for Man Accused of Biting Girl

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – A man accused of biting off the lip and ear of his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter pleaded not guilty Thursday and was ordered held without bail.

Bryan James, 34, was charged with assault and battery upon a child causing substantial bodily injuries. Police said the attack left the girl so mutilated doctors could not fully repair the damage.

The child’s mother, Jessica Silveria, 26, pleaded not guilty to permitting substantial injuries to a child under 14 and intimidation of a witness. She was also ordered held without bail.

The girl lost the upper part of her lip and her ear was so mutilated that surgery could not return it to its natural state. The child also suffered other human bites on her body, New Bedford police Capt. Richard Spirlet said.

Police believe the biting attacks began in January and continued until April.

New Bedford police began investigating in mid-May after the girl was taken to Children’s Hospital in Boston.

The girl and her older brother have been taken into state custody.

Prosecutors plan to ask at a hearing next week that James and Silveria be held without bail for up to 90 days, said Gregg Miliote, a spokesman for Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter’s office.

(This version CORRECTS source in last paragraph.)