A FIFTY-seven year-old who tried to strangle his housemate - before attacking her with a pair of scissors - has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Gillian Cannon feared she was going to die at the hands of Anthony Palmer during the outburst at the house they shared in Stretford, Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard.

Palmer, while suffering a "psychotic episode" due to cannabis abuse, had fallen out of a first-floor bathroom window and Mrs Cannon was trying to assist him, the court was told.

Judge John Potter said the defendant had initially placed his hands around her throat and tried to throttle her.

Palmer then placed a pillow over her face and attempted to smother her, the court was told.

Ben Lawrence, prosecuting, said she told him she was "going to die" unless he relented.

And when she managed to flee downstairs, Palmer followed his victim and armed himself with a pair of scissors.

He again tried to strangle her, the court heard, and also caused a cut under her eye and a hand injury.

The court was told she eventually managed to struggle free and ran barefoot to a neighbour's to safety.

Palmer, formerly of Chatsworth Road, admitted to an assault charge.

Judge Potter told the court the incident must have been "absolutely terrifying" for the victim.

But the judge accepted that the defendant had been suffering from a "psychotic episode" at the time and was now receiving treatment from his community mental health team.

Judge Potter imposed a nine-month prison term, suspended for two years on Palmer, who had no previous convictions.

Palmer must also take part in 20 rehabiliation activity days with the probation service.

He must also abide by the terms of a restraining order, concerning Mrs Cannon, for five years.