A MAN accused of attacking a prostitute committed a similar offence 12 years ago, a court heard.

Steven Strong, aged 43, is on trial at Bolton Crown Court accused of raping a woman in April, 2007, and attacking a prostitute in June, 2008.

Yesterday the jury was told that he attempted to rob a prostitute in the red light area of Bolton in 1997 and was convicted in 1999.

The court heard that he agreed a price with her but then he grabbed her by the throat so she could not breathe and threw her to the ground.

He demanded money and then banged her head on the ground causing her to pass out. When she came round he was still there, emptied her handbag and found some scissors that he held to her throat.

She eventually managed to get away.

Strong gave evidence at court yesterday and said he did not rape the alleged victim in 2007.

He is accused of dragging a woman into bushes and assaulting her but Strong told the jury she consented to sex.

He said they were flirting and holding hands as they went to buy cigarettes from a shop after meeting at a house earlier.

Strong, of Stanhope Road, Salford, is also alleged to have attacked another woman in the grounds of Bolton Parish Church.

He denies two counts of rape, kidnapping, committing an offence with the intent of committing a sexual offence and robbery.

The trial continues.