A MAN who caused his girlfriend to lose consciousness by grabbing her round the throat has been given a community sentence.

Shaun Mitchell, aged 20, of Whittingham Drive, Ramsbottom, had been out drinking when he attacked Olivia Thompson at the home she shared with her mother in Tottington.

Adam Lodge, prosecuting, told Bolton Crown Court on Monday that Mitchell and Miss Thompson had argued prior to the incident on May 4.

He said Mitchell “shoved” past the victim, pushing her into the wall, and threw a canvas picture at the wall. He then pushed her towards the wall and grabbed her by the neck.

Mr Lodge said: “Mitchell said he grabbed her by the neck with one hand. She had a vacant look on her face before falling to the floor.

"She didn’t open her eyes, and he called an ambulance. She got up, walked about and seemed confused. She had no lasting injuries.”

When police and paramedics arrived at the home following the attack, Mitchell told them he “lost his temper, grabbed her by the throat, causing her to lose consciousness”.

Cathy Mulhern, defending, said Miss Thompson and her mother had provided character references to the court about Mitchell.

Ms Mulhern said: “This young man has no previous involvement with the police of criminal justice system. He is extremely remorseful and embarrassed for what he has done. It was an isolated incident.”

Judge Timothy Stead, sentencing, said: “I have reasonable confidence that this won’t happen again.

"This was an unpleasant incident for the victim but it was an isolated one. I’m quite sure you sincerely regret it.

“I see no need to stigmatise you with a prison sentence. I hope you will move on and put this behind you.”

Mitchell, who admitted a charge of causing actual bodily harm, was sentenced to 80 hours of unpaid work, and told to pay £340 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge.