A VULNERABLE woman was subjected to a "sustained and repeated assault" at a flat in Bury, a court heard.

The woman said she was "so desperate that she thought her only means of escape were to jump through the window" — 15 feet from the ground.

She did and she was left with a fractured back as well as severe bruising and swelling to her face.

Michael Mitchell, aged 40, of Berkshire Court, Bury, has admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH).

He appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday.

Judge Angela Nield described the incident as a "sustained and repeated assault on a vulnerable victim."

The defence barrister said that Mitchell "tried to leave" and that he "regrets everything."

He has been in police custody for six months.

The judge adjourned the case until Thursday and Mitchell was remanded in custody.

Mitchell and his then partner had both been out drinking on October 13, 2018, when the incident occurred. Their relationship was described by the defence as "toxic."

Hannah Chestnutt, prosecuting, said: "Mitchell and the complainant had argued earlier that evening. When they returned to the flat a bigger argument continued. She said he went into a rage, grabbed her hair and she hit her head. He punched her to the left side of the face repeatedly.

"The Crown would say she sustained an attack while on the floor. The defendant tried to strangle her.

"She reported she became concerned for her own life. She decided to fight back and bit his lip to get him off her. At that point she tried to escape through the door but that route was blocked. She was so desperate that she thought her only means of escape were to jump through the window — 15 feet from ground level."

The emergency services were called to the incident. Both Mitchell and his then partner were taken to hospital.

Doctors found swelling and tenderness to the woman's left cheek and ankle. She had also fractured her lower back and heel.

Mitchell also attended hospital and had to have stitches in his lip.

Rachel Shenton, defending, said: "The defendant feels some degree of bitterness over the background of the case. He does accept that he caused ABH to the complainant.

"The defendant has a bite mark to his left cheek and to his lower lip. There was aggravation on both sides.

"The complainant appears to have been heavily intoxicated. The defendant in fairness does not appear to be heavily intoxicated from the CCTV.

"What is clear is that the defendant is trying to leave the complainant.

"He does regret everything and has remained in custody since the incident.

"He was working hard in a really good job, working 12-hour shifts, five days a week.

"He tells me that work will be open to him again on his release."

Judge Angela Nield raised concerns over Mitchell's "fixed view against probation", warning that, "if he is unwilling to comply, of course the only other option is custody."

She said: "The fact that it was sustained and so severe puts this in the GBH category."

Addressing Mitchell, she said: "You will have to take my word at the minute that this adjournment is in your best interests to give counsel time to address the issues I have raised."