Male biting female when put together to breed

I put my nelson's milks together last night for breeding and the male began attacking the female violently. It really seemed like he was trying to eat her so I removed her. Is this normal or was he trying to eat her?

It happens pretty frequently. I have had male (kings and milks) bite and hold females during breeding attempts, but it is usually pretty clear that's what is happening. I have also had both males and females go after the other with intent to feed. I have had to separate both sinaloans and greybands this year for that reason. In both cases, I was feeding (or just finished feeding). The sinaloan decided that she was still hungry and went after the male - I separated them, put her in a separate container for a few hours then back in with him. The greyband male started twitching when I offered food, then shot right around the mouse and grabbed the bigger female by the head (partially my fault, I usually give him rat pups). I put him in another box for feeding and had no further problems.
(I have to separate the male albino nelsons anyway, as he is a very shy feeder and won't take prey off tongs)

I cant tell for sure what he is doing. He seems to biting her mid body but not really trying to eat her as far as I can tell. He really isnt trying to breed her either....

Is this his first time?

Yes it is. They were brought up in March and have eaten a few times since.