A SICK love rat held a woman’s life in his hand as he acted out his strangling fantasy, police say.

This week Neil Scott-O’Connor was found guilty of attempted strangulation with intent to commit a sexual offence at Brighton Crown Court.

The 23-year-old appliance repair man attacked two women, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, and covered them both in love bites. He cheated on both of them, as he already had a girlfriend.

Following the guilty verdict, Detective Sergeant Andy Ricks said: “Neil Scott-O’Connor posed a significant risk, luring his victims into relationships through charm and flattery, in one case via social media, then turning to violence and fear to act out his dark sexual fantasies.

“His obsession with strangulation was a common feature in the investigation and it’s only by good fortune that one of his victims was not killed. The prosecution said during strangulation he literally had their life in his hands.”

DS Ricks praised investigator Gary Campbell and Detective Constable Tracey Dixon for their work to support the victims.

He added: “We would also like to thank the victims for having the courage to come forward and support us in putting this dangerous offender behind bars.”

Scott-O’Connor, of St Michael’s Way, Partridge Green, was remanded in custody for pre-sentence reports ahead of sentencing on January 17 next year.