A UNEMPLOYED builder launched a booze-fuelled attack on his female friend, a court heard.
David Cornwall, of Fore Street, St Blazey, had enjoyed a "lovely day" with his friend of six years before he lost his temper and assaulted her on September 7 last year.
Yesterday Cornwall pleaded guilty at Truro Crown Court to the assault on Miss Hardwick, causing her actual bodily harm.
The court was told how the 44 year-old pushed her in the back and sat on her, holding his arm against her throat making it difficult for her to breathe.
He then held a glass to her face and threatened her with the words: "I could hurt you if I wanted."
Miss Hardwick sustained some small injuries to her face.
Prosecutor Iain White said that Cornwall had left his victim shocked and traumatised.
Cornwall also has a string of previous convictions for burglary, theft, obstructing the police and common assault.
Cornwall's defence counsel, Paul Rowsell, said he accepted he had injured his friend regretted he had put her through such a frightening episode.
Mr Rowsell added the unemployed builder's drinking had led to the aggressive outburst, that he had taken steps to address his alcohol problem and had co-operated with the police.
Judge John Neligan handed him a 15-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
He told Cornwall he must attend six sessions of a specified alcohol programme "not only to punish you but to steer you back into the right course".
Cornwall will also be under supervision for 12 months.
