A 37-YEAR-old man changed his plea and admitted strangling and assaulting a woman. 

Paul Smith, of Buttercup Walk, Malvern, had previously denied both. 

But Smith pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and causing his victim actual bodily harm when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court for a trial on Monday, (April 24). 

Worcester News: COURT: Paul Smith outside Worcester Magistrates CourtCOURT: Paul Smith outside Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

READ MORE: Trainer thief once told the Worcester News he was not a 'lazy scrounger'

READ MORE: Crime Map - See where 50 cannabis farms in Worcestershire were in 2022

READ MORE: Speeding driver avoids ban because of impact on mental health

The offences took place between July 31 and August 2 last year, and, on both occasions, the victim was the same woman.

Elaine Bell, chairman of the magistrates' bench, announced the bench had decided their sentencing powers were insufficient to be able to deal with the case with it being sent up to the higher crown court.

Smith was told he must attend a sentencing hearing at Worcester Crown Court on May 12.

Smith, who was given unconditional bail, was warned not to commit an offence while on bail and that he would be committing an offence if he did not turn up for his trial.