A FATHER-OF-ONE attempted to strangle his fiancée and punched her in the face after a drunken argument, a court has heard.

Burnley Crown Court heard Adam Wilkinson, 28, also punched holes through the door of Stacey Marie Camps during the attack in her Accrington home in July.

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The couple, who had been in a relationship for six years, had been out for a meal in Accrington, before moving on to a club, the court was told.

Prosecuting, Mercedeh Jabbari said an argument ensued and Ms Camps got in to a taxi to go to her home but Wilkinson got in with her.

The argument continued in the house and the court heard that Wilkinson, of Dill Hill Lane in Church, then grabbed his victim by the throat and started to strangle her.

Ms Jabbari said: "She was approached by the defendant who put his hands around her neck and started to strangle her.

"She tried to force him off because she couldn't breath. Eventually he let go. When he did he immediately punched her to eye, causing immediate swelling."

The court heard the victim suffered a broken nose in the attack but didn't need surgery for the un-displaced fracture. She did need several visits to the hospital.

Ms Jabbari said Wilkinson, who works as a brick layer, was immediately remorseful about what he had done and told Miss Camps that he was sorry before calling for an ambulance and the police.

Wilkinson also punched a door inside the house several times, causing £50 of damage.

The court heard the couple have a one-year-old daughter together and Wilkinson had also helped raise Miss Camps other child who has a different father.

Defending, Richard Prew said Wilkinson hoped to reconcile with Miss Camps but had been unable to contact her since the attack because of the terms of bail conditions.

Mr Prew said: "This is something that is completely out of character for him.

"He realises how much damage he has caused."

Wilkinson pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

He was sentenced to 24 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and was told to pay £650 compensation, with £350 costs and a victim surcharge.

Judge Ian Leeming QC said: "This was a disgraceful incident but it was out of character. You accept genuine remorse."