BOSTON, Sept. 17, 2013—A Swampscott man was found guilty yesterday of attacking his former business partner and biting off part of the man’s nose after a business meeting, District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

A Suffolk Superior Court jury convicted KENNETH MICHAUD (D.O.B. 10/8/71) of mayhem and assault and battery causing serious bodily injury in connection with the May 2, 2012, attack. Jurors acquitted Michaud of an additional charge of assault with intent to murder.

During the course of the three-day trial, Assistant District Attorney Lauren Greene of the DA’s Major Felony Bureau presented evidence and testimony to prove that Michaud and the victim, a 43-year-old Revere man, were partners in an auto sales venture and on the night of the assault met at a Revere restaurant to discuss dissolving the business.

The men became involved in a verbal argument, the evidence showed, and both left the restaurant shortly before 11:00 p.m.  Once outside, Michaud wrapped his arm around the victim’s neck and dragged him behind the restaurant.

Testimony established that Michaud punched the victim repeatedly in the face and strangled him until he could be heard gasping for air by a witness. During the course of the beating, Michaud threatened the victim and claimed to be a member of the Hell’s Angels.

Greene proved that Michaud then bit off the tip of the victim’s nose before the man was able to escape into the restaurant, where he collapsed.

The victim was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was treated for injuries that included head contusions resulting in blurred vision, migraines, and dizziness.  He received additional treatment at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and underwent two surgeries to reattach the tip of his nose.

In addition to responding to multiple 911 calls reporting the attack, Revere Police undertook interviews at the scene and retrieved video surveillance footage the depicted the argument in the restaurant, the two men leaving, and the victim being chased back inside a short time later by Michaud.

Michael Coffey was the DA’s assigned victim witness advocate.  Michaud was represented by Gary Zerola.  He will return to court at 9:00 a.m. on Sept. 24 for sentencing before Judge Kimberly Budd.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.