A MAN has described finding the victim of an alleged brutal and horrific rape lying beaten in undergrowth.

His witness account was given during the trial of Luke West.

West, 29, from Southampton, is accused of rape and grievous bodily harm with intent against a 40-year-old woman.

Giving evidence at Winchester Crown Court, the witness told how he was walking through the Lower Gardens in Bournemouth when he heard a noise.

Giving evidence on Thursday, the witness said how it sounded like someone was struggling to breathe.

When he saw a woman’s legs poking out from beneath some bushes he ran over and threw his jacket over her body because it was a “freezing cold” morning.

He described how he was frozen in shock himself but managed to phone the police following the incident, which happened on November 13.

As reported by the Echo, prosecutor Robert Bryan told the court how West allegedly violently, physically assaulted and raped the woman.

The jury heard how she was left needing surgery and a titanium mesh fitted after suffering a fractured eye socket.

In a police interview, the victim said someone attacked her from behind and grabbed her with both hands around her neck.

The woman added that when she started scream