On the fifth day of the trial of Edward Tenniswood, aged 52, of Stanley Road, Northampton, evidence was given by a woman who described an incident in which she said he held her against a wall.
Birmingham Crown Court heard the woman, who was giving evidence via videolink, became involved in an argument with Tenniswood.
The woman said: “He ran at me and pushed me up against a wall and put both his hands around my throat.
“He was holding really tightly and then tried to kiss me on the mouth.”
Christopher Donnellan QC, prosecuting, said: “How long did he hold you like that?”.
The woman replied: “Probably about 20 seconds.”
She added: “I tried to push him off. He would not let go but eventually he did. He said he was sorry and I got upset.”
Tenniswood denies charges of rape and murder. The trial continues.