A college student accused of trying to rape a 16-year-old girl in a Bradford subway told a jury yesterday he took her in a headlock because she swore at him.

Imran Hussain, 18, said he touched her chest by accident in the struggle but quickly let go.

Hussain, of Jasmine Terrace, Listerhills, Bradford, denies attempted rape and sexual assault in a Wakefield Road subway. He is alleged to have grabbed the girl by the hair and kicked her in the stomach on June 11.

Hussain, who the jury at Bradford Crown Court has been told has learning difficulties, said he was listening to Islamic music on headphones when the girl swore at him, was rude about his music and shouldered past.

He said he shouted at her. She pushed him and he got her in a headlock. He let her go but she was swearing and he got angry and pulled her hair. She fell to the ground and he slapped her cheek.

Hussain said his jeans were too big so he held them up with one hand but did not unbutton them or try to orally rape the girl.

Earlier, Sarah Pearson said she saw a male holding the girl punch her twice to the side of the head.

Miss Pearson, on her way to pick up one of her children, said the male put up his hood to hide his face as he walked away.

The trial continues.