A Suffolk doctor accused of sexually assaulting a woman admitted he had a sex addiction, it has been alleged.

Mark Nettleton, who was employed at the Bridge Medical Centre in Oulton Broad allegedly tried to kiss and hug the woman and on one occasion pressed himself up against her, Ipswich Crown Court was told.

When the woman reported his alleged behaviour to the medical centre Nettleton allegedly admitted having sexual fantasies about the woman and said he had a 'sex addiction'.

Nettleton, 50, has denied four offences of sexually assaulting the woman between January and September 2013.

Barnaby Shaw, prosecuting, told the court that when Nettlton was initially challenged about the allegations he said he had been under a lot of stress which had manifested itself as a mental health problem and that he had a 'love/sex addiction'. He also said he needed to be loved and wanted.

Nettleton claimed he and the alleged victim had confided in each other and accepted his behaviour had been sexual and he had forced his attentions on her.

However when he was interviewed by police he denied his behaviour had been sexual and denied specific allegations of sexual assault made by the woman.

Mr Shaw said these allegations included hugging and trying to kiss her on the mouth, attempting to kiss her in his car and pushing his groin against her.

He said that Nettleton had allegedly told the woman he couldn't stop thinking about her and thought about her 'in a way he shouldn't'.

He said the alleged victim had made it clear to Nettleton that she had no interest in him but he had taken no notice. The trial continues today (Tuesday).