A 30-year-old man broke a woman’s ankle as he tried to rape her after luring her into a dark children’s play area, a jury heard.

Graham Butterfield had downed 20 bottles of Carlsberg Export when he attacked the 34-year-old mother he had just met at a house party in Keighley, it is alleged.

Butterfield, of Central Avenue, Keighley, denies attempted rape on February 6 last year, an alternative offence of sexual assault, and causing the woman actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Nicholas Barker told Bradford Crown Court yesterday that Butterfield and the woman had been on separate nights out in Keighley on February 5, each ending up at nightclubs.

They met by chance at the party after both had been drinking.

Mr Barker said that when the party broke up at about 6am, Butterfield offered to help the woman call a taxi.

He told her he was married with a young child and she felt safe with him.

It is alleged that Butterfield suggested calling a cab from his house because it was cold outside.

“She accepted this as a kind and generous offer,” Mr Barker told the jury.

He took her into Lund Park, saying it was a short cut, and attacked her in a fenced off children’s play area, it is claimed.

The woman told the police Butterfield grabbed her and forced her to the ground by tripping or pushing her. He tried to rape her.

She said she was shouting and struggling and Butterfield backed off.

Mr Barker said she went for help to a house nearby. She was highly distressed, soaking wet and had dirt and debris on her clothes.

At first she did not want the police called but friends persuaded her to make a complaint.

Butterfield told arresting officers he had drunk 20 bottles of Carlsberg Export that night.

He said the woman followed him, became hysterical and attacked him. He said he lay on top of her to calm her down.

She then “stormed off”.

He did not know why they were in the play area in the park but he had had a lot to drink.

The trial continues.