BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) A Stamford man says he accidentally strangled his girlfriend last year while trying to keep her calm in the back seat of a friend's car.

The Connecticut Post reports that Cesar Martinez was arraigned in Bridgeport Superior Court Monday for manslaughter.

Guy Soares, Martinez's lawyer, said the police report ``lends credence'' to Martinez's version of what happened. He said 23-year-old Brenda Hernandez had kicked out the car's back window and Martinez was trying to stop her from injuring herself.

Soares argued that there was no scientific proof as to the victim's cause of death.

Judge Maria Kahn replied that it indicates the cause of death was neck compression.

State police said Hernandez was strangled and had been bruised and scratched.

Bond of $250,000 was set and the case was continued to Dec. 12.