A 26-YEAR-OLD snarled like a dog and bit his girlfriend's ear in a row fuelled by drugs and alcohol.

Derby Crown Court heard that Lee Oxtoby also grabbed Amy Barlow around the throat, hit her and broke her car door after he accused her of having affairs.

But Miss Barlow, who discovered she was pregnant with Oxtoby's child after he had been arrested and remanded in custody for the offence, says she wants to be reconciled with him.

Judge Robert Brown said he had "misgivings" about not imposing a restraining order against Oxtoby but said he would respect Miss Barlow's wishes.

He released Oxtoby from custody and will sentence him later this month after the probation service has assessed him and come up with a community order to address his "temper and substance abuse".

Marilyn Nair, prosecuting, said the couple had been together for six months before New Year's Eve, the day of the offence.

Miss Nair said they were in her car driving along Slack Lane, Derby, when they argued and Miss Barlow, 26, stopped her car.

Oxtoby, of Leytonstone Drive, Mackworth, had then grabbed Miss Barlow around the throat for about two to three seconds and she had felt a burning sensation, she said.

"And with his other hand he tried to grab the car keys from the ignition," said Miss Nair.

The court was told that Miss Barlow, 26, then managed to push him out of the car and drive off.

But after realising he had her house keys she drove back to him.

Miss Nair said that she wound down the passenger window and he put his hand inside, unlocked the door, and then got in.

Miss Barlow then tried to get her keys from his pocket, at which point "he struck her right cheek", said Miss Nair.

She said: "He grabbed hold of her ear, while snarling like a dog, and bit her there."

The court heard Oxtoby had taken cocaine that day but since being in custody he had been drug-free.

Oxtoby admitted damaging property and two offences of assault by beating.

Stuart Lody, for Oxtoby, said: "When sober, he is capable of being a decent and loving partner."