A BODYBUILDER who throttled his lovers by lifting them by their throat until their heads touched the ceiling was jailed for life yesterday.

Michael Evans, 36, also raped and beat his victims after taking steroids to build up his muscles.

Two ex-girlfriends went to police after road haulier Evans used them as punchbags and sex slaves.

Evans of Bolton, at first appeared caring and charmed both women with sunshine breaks but later had dark, mood swings.

One victim, 36, told Minshull Street crown court, Manchester: "He was screaming at me. I was trying to calm him down but he grabbed me by the throat."

Police described this as his "trademark", throttling the women until they choked. His second relationship was the same.

Judge Jonathan Geake said: "Mr Evans is a high risk of sexual re-offending against women in the context of a relationship."

He was found guilty of rape and assault but could get parole in four years.