A THUG accused of throttling a teenage girl, and breaking her nose when he punched her repeatedly, has been jailed.

Judge Rhys Rowlands at Mold Crown Court sentenced Nathan Hughes, 20, of Llys Alun, Rhydymwyn, Mold, to 27 months in custody for the “cowardly” attack.

“It can’t be said to be out of character,” the judge remarked.

Judge Rowlands said Hughes had been bailed by police but sent apparently threatening messages to the victim.

“Quite why no-one has thought fit to charge you with witness intimidation or attempting to pervert the course of justice, I don’t know. It’s beyond me,” he declared to the defendant.

He would have received a consecutive sentence. The victim, who can’t be identified, was “particularly vulnerable,” Judge Rowlands added.

Hughes admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Prosecuting counsel Jade Tufail said the terrified girl ran down the road and came across an elderly couple who offered her help.

James Coutts, defending, said Hughes had an “unenviable” record but there was a level of remorse. He’d put forward his name for courses in custody.