A father appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of his 50-year-old girlfriend.

Stephen Corness appeared before the town's magistrates yesterday.

The 49-year-old is accused of trying to kill Denise Tidd by strangling at their home on Monday.

The court heard that police were called to the address in Kendall Road, Colchester, at 12.20am, and found the 50-year-old unconscious on a bed.

Divorcee Corness spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address at the brief hearing.

No plea was taken from him and no application for bail was made.

The case was sent straight to the crown court to be dealt with. Corness was remanded into custody until the next hearing.