A MAN who knocked his girlfriend unconscious in a violent assault later told her she had been attacked by men who got into her home, a court heard.

Michael Wilding's victim was so scared she even told a similar story to police.

The true details were revealed when inquiries with a neighbour did not match up.

The 39-year-old was jailed for two-and-a-half years when he appeared for sentence at Preston Crown Court.

Wilding, formerly of Ashby Street, Chorley, but now of Lytham Road, Blackpool, had pleaded guilty to unlawfully wounding Julie Charnock.

At the time of the assault in September, the couple had been in a relationship for a year.

Wilding had moved into her home a couple of months before the offence.

Nick Courtney, prosecuting, said both parties had been drinking strong cider and watching TV.

Wilding started shouting, accusing her of having an affair.

He then punched her about the face, head and body a number of times.

Julie Charnock blacked out and came round to hear him say she had been attacked by some men who had got into the house. A neighbour heard him shouting, seven or eight blows taking place and things being thrown around.

Miss Charnock had two black eyes, a bruised forehead and left cheek and a cut lip that needed three stitches.

Mr Howard Shaw, defending, said Wilding was verysorry for causing the injuries.

Judge Andrew Blake told Wilding he had been convicted again and again of violence-related offences.

"This was a sustained attack upon this woman in drink. The fact she was also drunk does not help you at all."