Get the Echo newsletter - it has never been more important to stay informed Sign me up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A jealous lover who throttled his girlfriend before putting his foot on her throat until she passed out was spared jail - and instead ordered to go on a relationship building programme.

Drug addict Colin Gerrard, 44, of Muirhead Avenue, West Derby , punched, kicked and kneed Michelle Donohue when he become jealous of her talking to another man.

He was handed a suspended sentence at Liverpool Crown Court today and told to attend a Building Better Relationships programme.

Simon Duncan, prosecuting, told how a neighbour called police after hearing shouting and screaming in the early hours of October 10.

When officers arrived they discovered Miss Donohue lying on a mattress, with head injuries and blood coming from her ears, nose and mouth.

Gerrard was stood leaning over her and had to be pulled away.

Miss Donohue was treated in hospital and later told police how they had been out drinking.

She said she had drunk four to five cans of premium strength lager and Gerrard had become jealous of her talking to another man.

Miss Donohue said he assaulted her in the street and continued the attack once back at their home.

Mr Duncan said: “He put his hands round her throat at one point and started squeezing.”

Miss Donohue suffered a black eye and bruising to her neck and chest.

Gerrard admitted drinking heavily and said after slapping his girlfriend “the red mist fell and he lost control” but said he did not remember any further details.

Recorder Michael Blakeley said a pre-sentence report revealed he also put his foot on her throat before she fell unconscious.

Gerrard admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

He was previously jailed for four years for drug trafficking in 1995.

Katy Appleton, defending, said her client was remorseful.

She said he had been addicted to heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis for around 20 years.

Miss Appleton said: “Despite events he does love and care for the complainant and assists her with medical and psychological issues.”

Recorder Blakeley said Gerrard should be ashamed of the sustained attack and it was “luck more than anything else” that her injuries were not more serious.

He said Gerrard would be better punished by a community sentence.

Gerrard cried in the dock as the judge handed him a 12-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and told him to attend the Building Better Relationships programme.