A SOUTHAMPTON man launched a violent attack after a woman he was drinking with refused to smoke cannabis, a court heard.

Jake Hatcher had been drinking with two friends at a Southampton property in March this year when the attack began.

Southampton Crown Court was told how one of the women he was with refused his offer to smoke cannabis and got up.

As she left she slammed the door, angering Hatcher, 20, who then grabbed her hand and began bending her fingers back.

Prosecuting, John Dier said that Hatcher, of Mayfield Road had then grabbed her throat, squeezing it so she couldn’t breathe.

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His victim screamed saying “I’m sorry, I’m sorry” before he attacked another woman, punching her on the nose, causing her to bleed.

One of the women then managed to call for help with police attending and arresting him.

They seized a “small amount” of cannabis from him.

Mr Dier added that Hatcher was then bailed for the March 23 attack, but later remanded in custody after a separate allegation against him.

He was charged with two charges of assault by beating and possession of a class B drug.

He carried out the attack while serving a suspended sentence.

But mitigating, Rebecca McKnight told the court how Hatcher has problems with his mental health.

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She added “It is quite clear that Mr Hatcher needs continued support”, arguing that he can serve his sentence in the community.

Judge Nicholas Rowland said: “There is a different side to this still young man, isn’t there.

He added: "It seems to me that young women who come into contact with you need protection."

Hatcher was given a two-year community order with 20 rehabilitation activity days and must attend a building better relationships programme.

He is also subject to six-month location monitoring and a restraining order banning him from contacting one of his victims for the next 12 months.

His suspended sentence for the previous offence was extended by six months.

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