A man accused of dragging his girlfriend to an alley and strangling her until she lost consciousness has made his first appearance at court.



Michael Rankin, a 31-year-old metalworker, of Station Road, South Shore, indicated he would plead not guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

The offence is alleged to have taken place in the resort's Lytham Road on October 14.

The prosecution asked for the case to be heard at crown court and opposed bail. Defence lawyer, Paul Robinson, successfully applied for bail for Rankin.

Rankin was bailed to appear at Preston Crown Court on November 9 by Blackpool magistrates.

He must live at his given address, keep a curfew from 11pm to 5am and not contact the complainant or enter Central Drive.