A WOMAN allegedly attacked by her boyfriend died from injuries usually seen following high speed road accidents, a court heard yesterday.

Newcastle Crown Court was told that Kelly Risborough, 23, died after a "prolonged, violent assault".

Toby Hedworth QC told the jury that 40-year-old Leslie Purvis battered Miss Risborough at the semi-detatched home they shared in Sunderland in the early hours of April 22.

Yesterday, the jury heard from Home Office pathologist James Sunter, who said Miss Risborough lost three pints of blood and died within minutes of a final, fatal blow. Dr Sunter said the cause of death was an injury to the liver.

He said: "This is an extremely violent assault with very serious injuries. The injuries she received were consistent with those found following a high speed traffic accident or someone who had fallen from a high level bridge."

Dr Sunter said bruising on Mr Purvis' hands was consistent with striking a number of blows with a clenched fist.

Mr Hedworth said that on Sunday, April 21, Miss Risborough had been at a friend's house and returned home about midnight.

He said Mr Purvis had been drinking in the Pallion Inn with friends before going home at about the same time.

Mr Purvis, of Palgrove Road, Sunderland, denies murder.

The trial continues.