A 24-year-old Ipswich care worker grabbed a woman’s breasts and her bottom, it has been alleged.

Mihai Preda had also touched the woman’s thigh and lifted her up by her neck and tried to kiss her, Ipswich Crown Court was told on Tuesday. 

Nicola May, prosecuting, said that Preda, who met the woman through work, had also allegedly bit her on the arm.

Preda of Bramford Road, Ipswich, has denied five offences of sexually assaulting the woman and one offence of assaulting her by beating.

The offences were allegedly committed on February 17 2022.

Preda’s trial is being heard in his absence.

Miss May said that after his arrest Preda claimed he had been play fighting with the woman and denied sexually assaulting her.

She said Preda admitted he had told the alleged victim that he really liked her and “wanted her” but said he had been joking.

He denied being sexually attracted to the woman and denied touching her breasts and bottom and pushing her over a couch.

The trial continues.