A man who strangled a woman using a nylon dress belt has been jailed for attempted murder.

Aiden Shepherd of Merlin Grove was sentenced to eight years behind bars after pleading guilty.

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The 20-year-old was arrested following the incident at West Paddock in Leyland after a 19-year-old woman was found with strangulation injuries.

The woman had been out walking with Shepherd when, for what police say are unknown reasons, he attempted to strange her using the belt.

Shepherd’s victim passed out, she later awoke and called an ambulance.

Detectives investigating the attack found evidence Shepherd had planned the offence. The belt had been taken from his home address and was used to stop dogs entering a room at the property.

He was jailed at Burnley Crown Court and given a further four years on extended prison licence. He had pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court in July.

Read more: Tributes paid to motorcyclist who died in Leyland crash

What the police had to say

Detective Inspector Graeme Simpson of Lancashire Police said: “Aiden Shepherd is clearly a dangerous offender and we welcome the sentence handed down at court.

“His actions that day were cold, calculating and ruthless. He had planned his attack and it is fortunate the victim involved did not come to more serious harm.

“Such was the force used by Shepherd, the strangulation marks made by the belt involved were still visible on the victim a couple of weeks later.

“She has shown tremendous courage in facing up to her attacker and I commend her for bravery during the on-going investigation and at court.

“I must also extend my thanks to colleagues who worked on the case, helping to secure a charge and conviction.”