Two men have been jailed today after a woman was brutally gang raped in Carlisle on Christmas Eve.

They took advantage of her drunken state, offering to help her to a taxi, before leading her against her will to a nearby flat and violently assaulting her.

Being sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today was Kabir Hussain, 40, of Dod Street, Tower Hamlets, London and Marco Martins, 31, of Borland Avenue, Carlisle.

Hussain had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He was jailed for 11 years.

Martins admitted one offence of sexual assault and was jailed for 45 months.

The court heard how the victim had been out drinking in the city centre on Christmas Eve.

The woman described realising she was very drunk once she had left the bar, and that was when she met Hussain. He first offered her a cigarette and then offered to get her a taxi.

Hussain and Martins then walked with the woman, at times carrying her by supporting her under her arms.

Despite the woman repeatedly saying she wanted to go home, the men took her not to a taxi, but instead to a nearby address.

There, at the property in West Tower Street, Hussain twice raped the woman whilst Martins watched and committed a sex act.

The victim told police how she had frozen in terror as Hussain raped her.

As she lay stunned and terrified, a third man came into the room, and without uttering a single word, also raped her.

Hussain returned a short time later and carried out his second rape.

Prosecutor Tim Evans said that a third man was arrested on suspicion of raping the woman but he has since absconded.

The men then put her into a taxi and sent her home.

The victim reported the incident to the police and the two men were arrested.

In his police interview, Hussain read from a pre-prepared statement in which he admitted having sex with the woman but said it was consensual.

He added that she had not seemed very drunk or unable to consent.

Hussain was asked a series of questions regarding the offences but replied ‘no comment’ to all.

Martins, in his police interview, admitted to carrying out a sex act in the room but denied he had done anything wrong.

The victim was found to have suffered a number of bruising and scratching injuries, including to her arms, thighs and chest.

Both men admitted the offences.

Detective Sergeant Rob Ewin said: “This case highlights the issue of consent.

“Both of these men would have been only too aware the victim was in no condition to consent to sexual activity that evening.

"They had almost carried her at times as they took her away from a bar and to the address. Yet they carried out a number of sexual acts upon her.

“The victim had told the men she had wanted to go home. But they ignored her and took advantage of her vulnerable state.

“I would like to thank the victim in this case for the bravery she showed in coming forward to report this offence and in supporting the efforts of the police and the Crown Prosecution Service in bringing both of these men to justice.”