A JEALOUS boyfriend who tried to choke his partner in an assault in their home has avoided jail.

Brandon Murdoch of Laighpark Road in Coylton nagged his ex-partner for smoking and talking to other men in Elliot’s nightclub on November 17 last year.

But he quickly became aggressive in a heated argument which continued in the taxi home.

The pair continued their quarrel back at the house before the 22-year-old attacked his girlfriend.

Depute Fiscal Lindsay Bain told Ayr Sheriff Court: “On November 16 the accused and complainer were at a party in Ayr then Elliot’s in Prestwick. There was an argument between the pair. They returned home at 3am and the argument continued. He grabbed her, pushed to floor, where she hit her head on wooden flooring in the hallway.”

Ms Bain continued to tell the court that Murdoch’s partner tried to grab for her phone in a desperate cry for help but he continued to restrain her.

He then put his hand over her mouth, seized her by the neck and tried to choke her.

Ms Bain added: “She was gasping for air. She tried getting her phone back and attempted to dial 999.

“The accused then bit her on the nose and lip, continuing to abuse her.”

Defending Murdoch, solicitor Mr Freeman told the court jealousy played a part in the attack. He said: “He seen that she was talking to other men and became jealous. Because of the amount of alcohol consumed his recollection is hazy.”

Mr Freeman added that the couple were out celebrating the purchase of the house they bought together just days before the incident.

The thug’s vicious assault landed him a Community Payback Order as a direct alternative to prison. Murdoch will be supervised for two years and has been placed on a programme to deal with issues with alcohol.

Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart told Murdoch he narrowly avoided jail. She said: “If you had any previous convictions of a domestic nature you would be sent to custody today. If you do not comply with the order you will be facing the alternative.”