A 54-year-old Evesham man accused of intentionally strangling a woman three times in Gloucester is claiming it only happened once - and it was accidental.

James Thould of Lingfield Rd, Evesham, was to have been sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on Monday for offences of assaulting the woman by beating, intentionally strangling her and criminally damaging her clothing, valued at £400.

He had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to all three charges, which date back to 23rd July last year.

But at court on Monday Judge Rupert Lowe commented that Thould was only admitting one of the alleged three incidents of strangulation - and claiming that it happened when he pushed the woman by the throat.

Defence solicitor Sarah Jenkins confirmed that was the basis on which he admitted the charge.

Ieuan Callaghan, prosecuting, confirmed that in a basis of plea prepared by the defence it was clear Thould was not admitting the full extent of the allegation against him.

He said if the court felt a trial of issue was needed so that evidence could be given by both sides the prosecution would not oppose that.

Judge Lowe said the difference between three intentional and deliberate acts of strangulation and one of accidental strangulation was so great that there would have to be a trial of issue.

Mr Callaghan said that could lead to some difficulty and delay because the woman is heavily pregnant and due to give birth in four weeks.

The judge proposed that a Newton hearing could take place today or tomorrow if all parties including the woman could be ready by then.

He adjourned for a hearing to be arranged and granted Thould conditional bail.