A MAN attacked his partner after waking from a drug induced sleep.

Blackburn magistrates heard Michael Kocka had repeatedly smashed the victim's head against the floor and at one stage knelt on her neck stopping her from breathing.

Kocka, 19, of Westgate Burnley, pleaded guilty to assault. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said police responded to a 999 call during which the caller could be heard screaming and crying.

The victim was clearly distressed when the officers arrived and Kocka was arrested.

The victim told the officers he had fallen asleep after taking Xanax, a prescription medication for anxiety disorders.

When he woke up he became aggressive and pulled at her top, ripping it in various places.

"He then grabbed her head and smashed it against the floor over and over again," said Mrs Yates.

"She said he put his hand over her mouth and told her to shut up and she was struggling to breathe."

Mrs Yates said Kocka had a previous conviction for an assault on the same victim in December 2019.

Sardar Asghar, defending, said the victim did not provide a statement to the police and his client could easily have pleaded not guilty and put the prosecution to the test.

"Instead he has admitted he has done wrong and stands to be punished for it," said Mr Asghar.

"It was the first time he had used this drug and he passed out and accepts that when he came round he kicked off."

Mr Asghar said following the conviction in December a restraining order had been imposed but the couple had rekindled their relationship as soon as it expired.

Keep up to date with the latest court and crime stories - click here to join our Facebook group