NORTH-EAST teenager Carol Sanderson put up a desperate struggle for her life when she was pinned to the ground and suffocated, a court heard.

The 16-year-old, from Easington, was allegedly killed by boyfriend Christopher Levey, 24, who was terrified she was going to leave him for another man.

The trial has heard how the teenager was attacked in Crystal Palace Park, in London, last April.

She lay in a critical condition until she finally succumbed to horrendous injuries.

Pathologist Dr Roger Chapman told the Old Bailey there was multiple bruising across her body, particularly on her face and neck.

A significant bruise above her left ear was revealed when an examination was conducted, showing that she was struggling as she tried to fight off her attacker.

"This is a fairly common finding in death resulting from strangulation, where the person is pinned to the ground with the head striking other objects," said Dr Chapman.

Her death had been caused by asphyxia, by compression of the neck.

The doctor concluded the injuries to Miss Sanderson's mouth were the result of direct blows from a fist.

The jury has heard how Levey pinned the blame for the murder on a gang of mystery black men, claiming they dragged Miss Sanderson into the undergrowth.

But when she died on April 22, he was arrested.

Levey, who had lived with Miss Sanderson at Anerley Road, Anerley, London, denies murder.

The trial continues.