A WINSFORD man has been told he faces a lengthy prison sentence for maliciously trying to cause a woman grievious bodily harm.

Steven Hunt, of Catalan Close, was appearing at Chester Crown Court to be sentenced on Friday, April 22.

The 47-year-old had already pleaded guilty to the offence, in which he attempted to choke, suffocate or strangle the woman on December 5 last year.

But the matter was adjourned from January this year to allow for further evidence and statements to be gathered.

Hunt, who has been held in prison since his arrest, was produced to the dock via custody.

However, the Crown Prosecution Service made an application for the matter to be adjourned for a further six weeks to allow time for expert evidence to be collated.

After considering the application Judge Simon Berkson acknowledged he would approve the request, in the interests of fairness to both the defence and prosecution.

The judge told Hunt he appreciated he wanted to hear his fate, but that it was in his best interests to be sentenced with all the information made available to the court.

He said: "I accept it can't be easy when you are ready to hear your punishment.

"There will be a lengthy prison sentence coming your way, of that there is no doubt.

"But rest assured, the time already spent in custody will be taken off any sentence that is imposed."

Hunt will return to Chester Crown Court on Monday, June 6.