BY DAVID LINTON / SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
Tuesday, April 8, 2008 1:30 AM EDT

ATTLEBORO - A 19-year-old Mansfield man was ordered held in jail without bail Monday after a judge listened to a 911 tape in which he allegedly told police between sobs that "I strangled my girlfriend."

Geoffrey N. Sorro, of 6 Brian Lane in Mansfield, was ordered held in jail by Attleboro District Court Judge Gregory L. Phillips after a dangerousness hearing in which he listened to the 911 call.

Sorro pleaded innocent to attempted murder and domestic assault and battery related to an altercation about 1:45 a.m. Sunday with his girlfriend.

The woman, 19-year-old Stephanie Prior, was punched in the nose and passed out, allegedly after being choked by Sorro.

She was released after treatment at Sturdy Memorial Hospital. She obtained a restraining order and testified during the hearing.

Assistant District Attorney Jessica Lennon argued during the hearing that Sorro should be held in jail without bail because he posed a danger to the woman and the community. "I think I killed her. I started choking her and I could not stop," Lennon quoted the defendant as telling police. She described the defendant as "out of control."

Sorro's lawyer, J. Carney of Boston, acknowledged there was an altercation, and said his client expressed remorse immediately when questioned by police.

But he argued his client, whom he said has no criminal record and lived with his parents, was not a flight risk or a danger. He also said his client suffered bite marks and scratches during the altercation.

Sorro was arrested after an investigation by officers Jeffrey Danner and William Kelly who found him outside on the steps of his girlfriend's residence weeping and gasping for breath.

If Sorro is released, Phillips placed him on a curfew and ordered him to submit to random drug and alcohol tests. He must also report to the probation office daily.

A probable cause hearing was scheduled April 29.

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