Jurors in the case of a woman who thought she would die after being hit on the head and dragged into bushes in Norwich have been sent out to consider verdicts. 

The seven men and five women on the jury have heard how Derry Bates, 44, is accused of attacking a woman - who cannot be identified for legal reasons - on Marriott's Way.

Marriott's Way, NorwichMarriott's Way, Norwich (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Norwich Crown Court has heard that as the woman walked along the path she was approached from behind by Bates and then attacked.

Norwich Crown CourtNorwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Bates, who previously threatened to kill a woman he robbed, is alleged to have repeatedly punched her in the face and dragged her into a wooded area, where he went on to pull down her tracksuit bottoms and knickers. 

Jurors heard evidence from the woman who said "I thought I was going to die" following the attack at around 1.30pm on May 24 this year.

Marriott's Way, NorwichMarriott's Way, Norwich (Image: Peter Walah, Newsquest) Bates, of no fixed abode, has denied attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two offences of committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence.

But Bates, who is represented by Andrew Oliver, has not been present in court throughout the trial and did not appear in person to give evidence in his defence.

Mr Oliver delivered a closing speech to jurors on Tuesday (November 26) following a closing address to the jury by prosecutor Danielle O'Donovan.

Recorder Michael Turner then summed up evidence in the case, describing it as a "terrifying attack" which lasted no more than 90 seconds. 

Before sending the jury out to consider verdicts, Recorder Turner said "not hearing from the defendant" and not having him here for the trial has "clearly hampered the way the defence case has been put".

He said jurors were able to make an "adverse inference" as the defendant has not been present at the trial although they would not be able to convict him on that basis alone. 

Recorder Turner insisted "not having the defendant here does not relieve the prosecution in any way whatsoever of having to make you sure" of Bates' guilt. 

Jurors were sent out to consider verdicts at 3pm.

The trial continues.