A SEX worker was robbed in her own home by three intruders – one of whom held a knife to her throat, a court heard.

Violeta Pasare, 37, was alone in her flat at White Star Place in Southampton when the gang burst in and demanded money, jurors were told.

Rashpal Sanghera, 33, of Lingwood Close, Basset, is accused, along with others, of robbing Miss Pasare of cash and identity documents.

He entered a plea of not-guilty when his trial began at Southampton Crown Court yesterday.

Nicholas Hall, prosecuting, said Miss Pasare heard a knock at the door on the afternoon of December 6, 2015, and looked through the spyglass.

He added: “She could see a man outside and got the impression that he was not alone.

“She began to feel scared and told them she could not unlock the door, which was probably a fib, but they were not prepared to take no for an answer.

“The door was forced open and three men came into the flat. One of them pulled a knife, pointed it at her throat and demanded money.

“Once they found what they wanted, they all left via the front door.”

Mr Hall said the defendant was later arrested on suspicion of being involved in the robbery and originally gave a “no comment” interview to police.

However, his alleged victim picked him out at an identity parade, the court heard.

Mr Hall said Sanghera was reinterviewed by police. He admitted going to White Star Place, saying he wanted to have sex with Miss Pasare, but claimed he had a panic attack and denied being involved in any robbery.

After listening to Mr Hall outline the prosecution case jurors watched a 70-minute video of Miss Pasare giving a statement to police.

She said her two flatmates had gone out and she was alone in the flat when three men came to the door.

“I told them I didn’t have a key and couldn’t open the door from inside. I went to my bedroom window and screamed for help,” she said.

“After that, the men broke the door, maybe to make me quiet. One of them put a knife to my neck and told me to give them everything I had.”

Miss Pasare said the intruders stole papers and £100 in cash but did not harm her.

Proceeding.