A RAMSBOTTOM man who grabbed his girlfriend by the throat, causing her to lose consciousness, has been given a community sentence by a judge.

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

Bolton Crown Court heard Mitchell and his partner had argued prior to the incident on May 4, which saw him shove past her before pushing her towards a wall and grabbing her by the neck with one hand.

Adam Lodge, prosecuting, said: “She had a vacant look on her face before falling to the floor. She didn’t open her eyes and he called an ambulance.”

When police and paramedics arrived later Mitchell told them he had lost his temper, the court heard.

Cathy Mulhern, defending, said Miss Thompson and her mother had provided character references for Mitchell, who had no previous involvement with the criminal justice system.

“He is extremely remorseful for what he has done. It was an isolated incident,” she added.

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

Mitchell admitted an assault charge and was ordered to complete 80 hours community service, with £340 court costs.