A MAN is due to stand trial after he denied strangling his partner.

Michael Mitchell, 34, was arrested on Saturday after police were called to his address in Hesper Road, Colchester.

The defendant is alleged to have attacked a woman after she returned early from a night out and then resisted arrest when officers attended the address.

Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard on Monday how Mitchell allegedly “straddled her across the chest and restricted her breathing and made her feel she was going to die”.

Serena Berry, prosecuting, said a neighbour heard the commotion and called 999 before a scuffle ensued when Mitchell allegedly resisted arrest.

Mitchell is charged with one count each of intentional strangulation and common assault of an emergency worker.

He is due to appear before Ipswich Crown Court on Monday, December 23.

Deputy District Judge Sarah Hannah said the nature of the alleged offences were too serious to be heard by magistrates.

She said: “I am going to decline jurisdiction given the nature of this offence.

“I believe this is more suitable to be heard in the Crown Court.”

Mitchell was denied bail.