Jurors in rape trials will be told more about the previous sexual behaviour of male defendants in a bid to increase the chances of conviction.

Alison Saunders, the Director of Public Prosecutions, has told prosecutors to focus on the behaviour of men leading up to alleged rapes, rather than just the incident itself.

The move is intended to provide juries with a fuller picture of male suspect's character, after a series of high profile rape trials ended in acquittals.

In a number of recent cases, the sexual history and behaviour of the female accuser has been presented as crucial evidence.

Around 23,000 rape cases are reported to the police in Britain each year but less than 3,000 end with a conviction.

Prosecutors will be asked to focus on a male suspect's previous conduct in other relationships in order to find any relevant evidence.