A bricklayer throttled his ex-girlfriend and knocked her out in an early-morning row following their child’s birthday.

Tomasz Morawiec, of Springvale Road, Northfleet, and Debbie Neagle were celebrating their son turning one at Miss Neagle’s cousin’s house in Dartford in November.

Maidstone Magistrates’ Court heard the couple spent the evening drinking and at 2am Miss Neagle wanted to go out to see friends.

This made Morawiec angry, said prosecutor Debbie Jones, and he attempted to stop her leaving, first pushing her away from the door and then slapping her around the head as she tried to put her trainers on.

The 35-year-old then pushed her on to the sofa, sat on her legs and began to strangle her.

Mrs Jones added: “Miss Neagle broke free and Morawiec slapped her around the head again, knocking her out for 30 to 40 seconds.”

"The defendant says the victim came at him with ornaments and there was a mention of scissors... He said he was acting in self-defence" - Barney King

The Polish national previously admitted assault by beating but said in police interview that he was trying to stop Miss Neagle leaving as she was planning to buy drugs. He claimed he lashed out in self-defence.

Barney King, from the probation service, said Morawiec realised his actions were wrong and accepted pushing and slapping Miss Neagle but claims he did not strangle her.

He added: “The defendant says the victim came at him with ornaments and there was a mention of scissors. He said he was acting in self-defence.”

Since the incident the pair have broken up.

Morawiec, who has a historic conviction for assaulting a taxi driver, was handed an 18-month community order.

During that period he must complete 10 rehabilitation sessions, a building better relationships programme and 40 hours unpaid work.

A restraining order was also imposed banning him from going to Miss Neagle’s address. He must pay £85 in costs and an £85 victim surcharge.