An elderly woman thought an “intoxicated” dad was “going to kill her” as she was unable to breathe during a horrific attack.

The victim had been at her friend’s home on Church Street East in Radcliffe celebrating King Charles’ coronation on Saturday, May 6 last year before the vicious attack, which happened at around 5.30pm.

Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard Alexis Anderton, who lived in a nearby flat and was described as “intoxicated”, made his way into the property before saying “rude” and “sexual” comments.

Anderton then went into different rooms of the home and stole cigarettes before being told to leave.

But he then attacked the occupant’s friend, grabbing hold of her and put her in a headlock, leading to her being unable to breath, which felt like “two to three minutes”.

The court was told she thought “he was going to kill her”.

The victim screamed before Anderton released her.

Police were called and he was arrested. He urinated in the police van on the way to custody.

Anderton, 44, of Church Street East, Radcliffe, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and theft before later admitting to intentional strangulation.

A victim impact statement said the woman suffered heart palpitations and she could not understand why Anderton attacked her in that way.

He had 16 previous convictions for 25 offences, including for violence.

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Defending, Michael James said Anderton is remorseful and cannot explain his actions and did not intent to hurt anyone.

Mr James said the defendant has been having drug rehabilitation treatment and he has not committed any offences since the assault last year.

The court also heard Anderton had a difficult upbringing and he has a number of medical problems.

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Addressing Anderton, Judge Joanne Woodward reminded him of the effects the attack had on the victim, including her anxiety.

But, after hearing about his compliance in the community, Judge Woodward spared him jail.

Anderton was given an 18-month sentence suspended for two years, ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and told to follow a three-month curfew.