A Sunderland man has avoided jail after strangling and biting his partner during a violent attack triggered by drug use…

A Sunderland man has avoided jail after strangling and biting his partner during a violent attack triggered by drug use.

Ethan Forster, 28, assaulted the woman at their home after she asked him not to take Valium. Despite her pleas, he took five tablets and launched into an attack, throttling her until she couldn’t breathe and biting her face.

The victim described the experience as terrifying, saying she feared for her life and has since lost her home, belongings, and sense of safety.

Forster, of Vilette Path, pleaded guilty to strangulation and battery. He was handed a 22-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete drug rehabilitation, mental health treatment, and abide by a restraining order