‘Friend’ attacked woman twice in Darwen

2:13pm Monday 28th April 2008

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A 22-year-old woman decided not to make a complaint to police after a male friend assaulted her.

But five days later Andrew Edward Dodds staged a repeat performance, attacking Nicole Hughes without warning.

Dodds, 21, of West View, Haslingden, pleaded guilty at Blackburn Magistrates' Court to two charges of assault.

He was remanded on bail for a pre-sentence report.

Neil White, prosecuting, said at the time of the offences Dodds and Miss Hughes lived in separate flats in supported accommodation in James Street, Darwen.

On the day of the first offence they had been out drinking with friends and they all went back to Miss Hughes' flat.

"For no apparent reason he became aggressive and suddenly turned on Miss Hughes," said Mr White.

"He pushed her to the floor and pinned her down by her throat.

"This caused her some distress but the police were not informed because Miss Hughes said she didn't want to fall out with him over a stupid incident."

They had again been out drinking and they all returned to Miss Hughes' flat five days later.

"He became very emotional and started screaming," said Mr White.

"He was told to sit down and relax but instead turned towards Miss Hughes grabbed her by the arms and threw her against a wall."

Clare Knight, defending, said Dodds had moved out of the hostel and was now living with his father in Haslingden.

"Over the past 12 months he has become more dependant on alcohol and he has been taking anti-depressants," she said.