A MAN accused of trying to strangle his girlfriend had previously been convicted of attacking two other women in similar circumstances, a court heard.

Steven Wallace has denied the attempted murder of Wendy Brown, whose past relationship with a lesbian was said to have made him jealous.

Yesterday, both sides in his trial at Teesside Crown Court agreed that details of Mr Wallace's convictions for attacking two other women could be read to the jury.

But trial judge Mr Justice Simon warned jurors that the fact the defendant had been convicted for similar offences did not mean he had carried out the assault in this case.

Mr Wallace, 40, of Church Street, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty in February 2003 to unlawfully causing grievous bodily harm to a woman after breaking her jaw.

He also admitted two offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against another woman who had a relationship with him.

Reading from the woman's statement, Richard Newbury, prosecuting, said the victim was punched and kicked repeatedly, with Mr Wallace also placing his hands over her mouth and nose, causing her to have difficulty breathing and fearing she would suffocate.

The defendant also produced a craft knife and drew it in a cutting motion down her back.

Mr Newbury said he had told her to retract her police statement, telling her to say that she had been attacked by two unknown females.

Earlier, the court had heard horrific details of the injuries that were caused to Mrs Brown following the alleged attack on November 15 last year in Hartlepool at Mr Wallace's flat, in which she was punched and kicked and her head banged against a wall.

She was admitted to intensive care having arrived at the accident emergency department with "potentially life-threatening" injuries.

They included bleeding above the brain, gross swelling and severe bruising to the head face and neck.

She was also having difficulty breathing and her eyes had closed.

Giving evidence yesterday, Mrs Brown, 30, told the court her account had been a lie and that she intended to marry Mr Wallace.

The trial continues