A REVELLER attacked his partner 'like a savage dog' during a drink-fuelled argument after a night out, a court heard.

Michael Froggatt was sentenced to 10 months in prison suspended for 12 months at Bolton Crown Court for the attack.

The court heard that both Froggatt and his partner Keith Raraty had been out drinking and returned home where they came to blows.

Defending, Kimberley Norton said that Mr Raraty was 'angry' at Froggatt and that he admitted attacking him first.

But the court was told that the attack launched by Froggatt was unlawful and represented 'excessive self-defence'.

He bit Mr Raraty on his cheek, and Froggatt was described as behaving 'like a savage dog', such was the force needed to drag him away.

The court was told that Froggatt not taking his medication may have had a part to play in the incident.

Addressing 27-year-old Froggatt, Recorder Eric Lamb said: “You and your partner had returned from a night out, and both of you had been drinking. The victim admitted that when the incident happened he was angry with you and attacked you first.

He added: “Your behaviour was described as like a savage dog, such was the force that had to be used to get you away.

“The hope is that there may be some sort of reconciliation between you. But your loss of temper and loss of control is something that needs to be addressed.”

Froggatt, of Starkie Road, Tonge Moor, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm.

In considering his sentence, Recorder Lamb said that he was content that Froggatt was taking steps to address the offending.

He added: “Some four years ago you were before the courts for a dissimilar offence of violence and were made subject to a community order. I have paid careful attention to the pre-sentence report and that is in my judgement an impressive document. In particular it states that you had chosen to stop taking your medication, but that you have now resumed taking that medication and it has brought about a substantial improvement in your mood. But the offence is so serious that only a custodial sentence is justified for it.”

In addition to a suspended prison sentence, Recorder Lamb sentenced him to a community order, comprising of rehabilitation requirement and requiring him to stay at his current home.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £100.