A Colchester man accused of stamping on his girlfriend’s face has claimed her injuries were caused by her falling down the stairs.

Giving evidence during his trial at Ipswich Crown Court Joshua Smith denied grabbing Charlotte Munns by the throat and pinning her against a wall during an argument on May 14 .

Smith also denied punching her while she was lying on a bed and then stamping on her face while she was on the kitchen floor.

He claimed injuries to her face were caused by her falling down the stairs while she was chasing him during a row.

Smith also denied assaulting Miss Munns a week earlier on May 7 by throwing a hot spatula at her during an argument, causing a burn on her back.

He claimed the injury was caused accidentally.

Smith, 27, of Straight Road, Colchester, denies attempting to wound Miss Munns with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm and assaulting her causing actual bodily harm.

The trial continues.