A SELF-employed electrician who kicked and punched a woman during a confrontation in the street has avoided jail.

Jake Mitchell initially acted in self-defence, when Jackie Dearden waded into a row involving her partner, in Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard.

Miss Dearden fell to the floor during the melee, fracturing her wrist.

Judge Sophie McKone said Mitchell then went on to attack her "in anger", grabbing her around the neck and punching and kicking her.

The judge told the court Mitchell had "caused nasty bruising around her neck"

Mitchell, of Wood Lane Road, Summerseat, had denied inflicting grievous bodily harm and assault at trial. He was cleared of the GBH charge but convicted of assault at an earlier hearing.

Judge McKone sentenced him to a two-year community order, including 250 hours community service and 20 rehabilitation activity days. He must also pay £200 compensation to his victim and £250 court costs.

Isobel Thomas, defending, said Mitchell, who had no previous convictions and still denied involvement in the offences, had been headbutted earlier in the confrontation.