A MAN who tried to strangle his girlfriend when he was drunk has been told he is facing a custodial sentence.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Darren John Noone, 33, kicked victim Sarah Kershaw and then attempted to throttle her while on bail for the first offence.

The defendant, of Lancaster Avenue, Haslingden, admitted three allegations of assault and was remanded in custody until April 16 for a pre-sentence report.

Mercedah Jabbari, prosecuting, told the court in the first attack the defendant grabbed Miss Kershaw's arm in the street. She tried to walk away, but he then pulled her to the ground and kicked her.

The victim was struggling to get up when police passing by saw Noone take hold of Miss Kershaw by the shoulder. They stopped their car, turned round and went to her aid.

Miss Jabbari said the defendant was verbally abusive to the officers. He was arrested, taken to the police station and bailed.

Noone should not have gone to the victim's house whilst on bail, but she let him in and he stayed with her. Whilst there, he assaulted her twice, on March 23 and 24.

The prosecutor said on March 23, the defendant grabbed his partner by the throat, but she managed to escape his grasp. Noone left the premises, returned, apologised and was allowed in.

Miss Jabbari said the day after Noone tried to strangle the victim after getting her in a headlock and pushing her against a radiator.

Noone was later arrested, told police he could not remember anything. He had 19 previous convictions.

Rachel Garnett, defending, said Noone had been an alcoholic for 20 years. He had had a two year on/off relationship with Miss Kershaw and he started a lot of the arguments.

Miss Kershaw wanted him to live with her and had picked him up from the police station and court.

The solicitor added: "He does realise he needs professional help."