A mother of three broke down in tears as she told a court a soldier had dragged her off the street and raped her after a night out.

The Darlington woman, who was five months pregnant at the time of the attack, told Teesside Crown Court she was left bruised and covered in blood after the incident in January.

Giving evidence via a video link she said she pleaded with the man to stop and told him she was pregnant but he continued to hold her down and assault her.

She said: "He pushed me down to the ground and I tried to get back up but he was too strong.

"I was really upset, I kept saying I wanted to go home to my boyfriend but he would not take no for an answer. He was laid on top of me and banging my head off the ground.

"I said please let me go, I am pregnant but he said, you have had your chance if you don't shut up I am going to kill you He said, I have got a knife."

Mila Kaitani, a 23-year-old soldier based at Vimy barracks, Catterick Garrison, has pleaded not guilty to rape.

The prosecution alleged he raped the woman after pestering her as she enjoyed a night out at Jester's club in Catterick Garrison on January 10.

It is claimed he walked with her when she went to find a taxi but dragged her into bushes, ripped off her underwear and raped her.

Lance Sergeant John Somerscales, also based at Catterick, told the jury he had heard a woman sobbing and saw what looked like two people having sex.

He reported the incident to a nearby police station and eventually flagged down a passing police car for help after five attempts.

He said: "I heard sobbing and a shushing noise. I saw a police car and he actually did stop this time. I expressed my concerns and he said he would have look."

The policeman found the girl naked but the attacker ran off and was apprehended by L Sgt Somerscales.

Mr Kaitani told police it was consensual sex. The trial continues.