A MAN assaulted his girlfriend and tried to drag her out of his flat - because he thought she was using him, a court heard.

Twenty-year-old Katie Green was punched, strangled, verbally abused and dragged along the floor in the vicious and unprovoked attack by her boyfriend Andrew Sanders.

Sanders, aged 26, of Shepherds Pool, Evesham, appeared before Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday where he admitted assaulting Miss Green.

The case was adjourned until Thursday, June 3 for pre-sentence reports and Sanders was granted conditional bail.

Prosecuting, John Barnett said Sanders started dating Miss Green after meeting through a friend about 18 months ago and they moved in three months later. However, their relationship began to go downhill.

The court heard how - on Saturday, May 1 - Miss Green was on the sofa with Sanders at his flat when the attack began.

"Sanders said 'you came to bed at 10.30pm and you said you love me - why?' and she replied 'it was the only thing I could think to say'," said Mr Barnett.

"He suddenly punched her hard on the right leg twice and then got off the sofa and tried to pick her up, dragging her out of the flat by her shoulders."

Magistrates heard how Sanders began shouting '**** off, I want you out of the flat' as he dragged her along the floor, but she pushed him over.

Mr Barnett said Sanders then grabbed Miss Green around the throat while continuing to shout abuse.

Mr Barnett said the attack continued as Sanders shouted 'get the **** out' at her, ripping her t-shirt off her back and pushing her onto the bed.

"She got back to her feet and began packing her belongings when Sanders said 'look at you, I could kill you'."

Miss Green sustained numerous bruises and grazes and Sanders was arrested the following day.

During interview he admitted his relationship with Miss Green had gone downhill and he suffered mood swings because of stress.

"He believed Miss Green had only been using him and did not love him," added Mr Barnett.