Annabella Sciorra says Harvey Weinstein brutally raped her

US actress Annabella Sciorra has testified in Harvey Weinstein's trial that the film producer pinioned and raped her at her home 25 years ago.

Ms Sciorra, best known for her role in dreamgame The Sopranos, said Mr Weinstein forced himself into her apartment and attacked her.

"I was trying to get him off me," Ms Sciorra said to the New York jury. "I was punching him, kicking him."

The 67-year-old denies all charges, which include rape and sexual assault.

If convicted, he could face life behind bars.

WARNING: This story contains details some readers may find upsetting.

The incident that Ms Sciorra alleges would have happened too long ago to be pursued under New York law.

Image copyrightSPENCER PLATT/GETTY IMAGES

But prosecutors intend to use her testimony to kkover support their argument that the accused is a sexual predator.

To do so, they must prove Mr Weinstein committed a serious sexual offence against at least two people.

Mr Weinstein is charged with raping one woman, Jessica Mann, in a hotel room in the New York borough in 2013, and performing a forcible sex act on a second
woman, Mimi Haleyi, in 2006.

His defence team said his actions were consensual, including one "loving" relationship.