A LYDNEY man has gone on trial, accused of throttling and sexually assaulting a pregnant woman only hours after meeting her.

Paul Ireland, 42, of Hopes close, Lydney, pleads not guilty to sexual assault by digital penetration, attempting to choke, suffocate or strangle the woman in order to commit an offence of sexual assault and assaulting her causing actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Mr Ian Dixey said the woman was 26 weeks pregnant at the time and had moved to Gloucester to put a troubled past behind her.

On March 21 last year she was hanging around a Gloucester garage when she met Ireland, said Mr Dixey.

Ireland gave her some money and cigarettes and she offereed to go for a drink with him later, the prosecutor added. The trial continues.

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