A Withywood man who bludgeoned and strangled a Polish woman because she failed to return his affections has been jailed for five years.

Christopher Fackrell's love turned to hate when 27-year-old Magdalena Chojak spurned him, Bristol Crown Court heard.

After inviting her to his room to watch the film Wayne's World, he produced an especially bought lump hammer from under his bed and attacked her because he wanted her to feel his pain.

Fackrell, aged 25, pleaded guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

Imposing the jail term the recorder Mr Paul Derbyshire told him: "This is a very serious and pre-meditated assault on a young lady.

"You attacked her with a hammer; you put your hands around her throat and started to strangle her. She must have been terrified to say the least and thought you would kill her. She is left with a legacy of fear for the rest of her life."

Richard Posner, prosecuting, told the court Ms Chojak still kept in touch with her boyfriend in Poland.

He said she met Fackrell while working on reception at the JJB sports centre in Horfield. He said though she went on to spend time with him, she had stressed their relationship was platonic.

He said: "As their relationship continued he confessed he loved her and he would do anything to persuade her to take him as her boyfriend and started to learn Polish.

"The prosecution says the offence was committed in the context of unrequited love."

Ms Chojak received two butterfly stitches and glue for her head wounds,.

Fackrell called police to High Street, Chew Magna, and explained he wanted her to feel the pain he felt, but he didn't want to kill her and used 'three-quarter force'. He said he had also bought a hose pipe for suicide."

Catherine Spedding, defending, said: "He understands he has a problem and it is a problem treatable by counselling."