A 20-year-old man on trial accused of attacking two prostitutes in an alleyway in Bradford’s red light district told one: “In my country, they kill girls who take money,” a jury heard.

Ali Rezai, of Duchy Drive, Heaton, Bradford, denies assaulting one girl by punching her repeatedly in the head on September 26 last year and raping a second girl on November 6.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that it was the first time the alleged rape victim had worked the streets for some time because of attacks on prostitutes in Bradford.

Both assaults are said to have taken place in the litter-strewn passageway of a derelict building in Akram Road.

Prosecutor Nicholas Barker told the court the women were working in Bradford as prostitutes.

The first alleged victim was in Gracechurch Street when Ali approached and she agreed to a payment of £15 for sex, the court was told.

Once in the alleyway, they had a disagreement and Ali pulled the girl over by her hair, Mr Barker said.

He punched her several times in the head before she escaped, leaving behind her jacket and handbag.

Ali was arrested and the girl picked him out at an identity parade.

Mr Barker said Ali had bruised knees and his DNA was found at the scene.

On November 6, the second girl was on Rebecca Street when she agreed to have sex with Ali for £10, the jury was told.

She consented to sex but they disagreed and he went on to rape her, it is alleged.

Ali is then said to have apologised and claimed he was drunk.

Mr Barker said the girl asked Ali for his phone number and he wrote it in lipstick on her hand.

At 11.05pm that night, she flagged down the police.

Mr Barker said she had grazed knees and elbows and DNA linked Ali to her.

Ali was arrested a few hours later and denied having sex with any prostitutes.

Mr Barker told the jury he now maintained he was a regular client of the second girl and she made a false allegation after he refused to give her money for a taxi, alcohol or drugs.

The trial continues.