The jury in the trial of a convicted rapist accused of raping and assaulting a Suffolk woman has retired to consider its verdicts.

Before Ipswich Crown Court is Rocky Barnes, 44, of Canterbury Way, Thetford, who has denied assault causing actual bodily harm, assault by penetration, common assault and rape.

It is alleged that Barnes went to the woman’s home and allegedly hit her during an argument before grabbing her throat and squeezing it so hard that she lost consciousness.

It is also alleged that on another occasion Barnes pushed the woman on a table and raped her.

During the trial the alleged victim, who gave her evidence via a video link, said she was aware Barnes had served a prison sentence for rape and violence.

She said he had told her about the circumstances of the convictions but she didn’t know he had been jailed for seven years.

The jury retired to consider its verdicts today and will continue its deliberations tomorrow.