A MAN who admitted attacking and threatening to kill his partner has been handed a hospital order.

David Crimp, of Brook Centre, Runcorn, was sentenced at Warrington Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm order.

The court heard how the 33-year-old, who has 13 convictions for 21 offences, assaulted his partner on the morning of February 1, 2015, when she returned home from a night out with friends.

The attack took place after the victim asked the defendant to leave the bed where he was sleeping and move downstairs as had previously been agreed.

Michael Whitty, prosecuting, said Crimp lashed out at the victim by punching her with such force that she fell to the ground before strangling her and making threats to kill her.

He said: "She thought she was going to pass out and feared for her life.

"Eventually he did stop but made further threats to kill."

John Banasko, defending, asked the judge to implement the hospital order as it was clear from psychiatric reports that the defendant needs 'help and assistance'.

Judge Tina Landale ruled that a hospital order would be the right course of action for the defendant.

She said: "You are much better but the experts advise that were you to return home you are likely to return to a lifestyle of drink and drugs.

"Under those circumstances you present a real risk to the public."