American Sport Star in Court Over Rape

Graphic details of the sexual assault charges facing one of the most famous sports stars in America, Kobe Bryant, were revealed in court in Eagle, Colorado, yesterday in a case that has drawn comparison to the trial of OJ Simpson.

Detective Doug Winters said the alleged victim, a 19-year-old Colorado woman, told police that the basketball star had grabbed her around the neck, bent her face first over a chair and raped her as she wept. The 25-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star is accused of assaulting the hotel clerk in June during a stay at the mountain lodge where she worked. The hearing will decide whether Bryant will stand trial next year.

Like the OJ Simpson trial, a successful black sports star has been accused of attacking a white woman. Bryant, who is married, has admitted having sex, but claims the woman consented.

Mr Winters testified that the woman told him that she had given Bryant a tour of the hotel and returned to his room where they talked and kissed.

Bryant then "began to grope her". When she tried to leave Bryant grabbed her round the neck. "I was afraid he was going to choke me." He then allegedly raped her. Bryant faces one count of felony sexual assault, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

He is one of the best-paid sports stars in the US and has a $40m endorsement contract with Nike. Last month, he tearfully apologised to his wife, Vanessa, for committing adultery, but said: "I didn't force her to do anything."