A convicted rapist accused of squeezing a Suffolk woman’s throat so hard that she lost consciousness and fell to the floor has chosen not to give evidence during his trial.

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

It has been 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 trial continues tomorrow (Friday).