AN Atherton man who assaulted a woman acquaintance and ransacked her home has been given an eight-month prison sentence.

Shaun Stockton, of Windermere Avenue, had admitted those offences at the start of his trial on more serious allegations, including rape.

The 25-year-old was found not guilty by a jury of the rape allegation as well as charges of false imprisonment, making a threat to kill and two assaults causing actual bodily harm, all involving the same woman.

Sentencing him at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Monday, Judge Brian Cummings said that as Stockton has been remanded in custody since January the sentence means he is now due to be released from jail.

But he pointed out that Stockton will be on licence for 12 months and he imposed a five-year restraining order to keep away from the woman.

Neville Biddle, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court that Stockton admitted hitting the woman in the face at her first floor home in Atherton on January 23, causing bruising to her lip.

He then left but later returned after buying wine and climbing up a ladder into her home.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had gone to a neighbour's home to alert police.

While she was out Stockton ransacked her home, though the value of damage was unknown, said Mr Biddle.

The woman claimed that Stockton had raped her and kept her prisoner in her own home, tried to strangle her and bit her fingers while she tried to get her mobile phone off him.

She also alleged that he had sprayed lighter fuel over her and threatened to burn her.

He denied all these allegations and told the court that she had consented to having sex with him.

Stockton left the scene after ransacking her home but returned and was promptly arrested by police.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman causing actual bodily harm and causing criminal damage.

The court heard that Stockton has previous convictions for assault, harassment, possessing an offensive weapon and aggravated vehicle taking.

Paul Treble, defending, said that Stockton, who has a young son, had become addicted to alcohol and crack cocaine and he admitted that he had behaved badly.

The incident has been 'a wake-up call' for him, Mr Treble added.