Leanne Egan told police that David Higgins, 47, had lured her to her home the day of the alleged attack, on December 12 last year, with another lie, concerning a child he was caring for.

There, he allegedly bashed her, jumped on her neck and attempted to choke and strangle her, before setting the house on fire, Newcastle Local Court heard.

Higgins, of Kings Road, New Lambton, a once-celebrated paramedic who helped rescue victims of the Newcastle earthquake, was committed to stand trial yesterday on charges of attempted murder and malicious damage by fire.

No plea was entered.

Evidence tendered yesterday said Higgins told police after the alleged attack that it was "just a brain snap".

"I did something that I really regret," he allegedly said.

In a statement to police, Ms Egan said Higgins had lied throughout their relationship, including about his age, marital status and family situation.

He told her on multiple occasions he had divorced his wife Kim, who had multiple sclerosis and breast cancer, when in fact they had remained married.

Higgins and Ms Egan split up in early 2007. He allegedly threatened she would "regret this decision" and, "I'll make sure you pay".

Later that year she twice changed the locks after Higgins stole keys and began turning up at the house when she wasn't home.

About lunchtime on December 12, Higgins lured Ms Egan home by allegedly telling her a child he was caring for was sick. Ms Egan and the child lay down together. About 1.30pm she went to get up and "as I looked up I saw David was standing above me. He had his right arm raised and he had an object in his hand".

He allegedly repeatedly struck her to the head. She rolled onto the floor and he continued to beat her. She noticed blood all over her hands and the floor.