A man who filmed himself raping a woman at her home, whilst her child slept upstairs, has been sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison.

Paul Fuller, 37, of Greenhill, Brampton, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court after he admitted two counts of rape, four further sexual offences and three counts of possession of an offensive weapon.

The court heard how Fuller attended the home of the victim in the early hours of July 29 in possession of a holdall containing a meat cleaver, two knives, a baton, a change of clothes and latex gloves.

He attended knowing she was alone at her address, in the Carlisle area, with her young child and with the intention of raping her.

After threatening the victim he sexually assaulted and then raped her on two occasions, filming parts of the ordeal including, when he demanded, she say that she was a willing participant.

Fuller carried out the attack despite the victim pleading for him to leave. The victim told police how she had said to Fuller: “Please don’t hurt me. I’ve got my little boy upstairs.”

The victim had feared for her life during the attack. At one stage Fuller filmed her asking if he was going to kill her.

Fuller left the address after the attack and was arrested shortly after 5am. A search of Fuller’s home recovered a baton holder, an incomplete set of kitchen knives and a suitcase, belonging to Fuller, which contained a note with the victim’s home address written on it.

In his police interview, Fuller denied the offences, saying the victim had come onto him after she had asked to borrow some money.

However, the prosecution evidence was so overwhelming he later pleaded guilty to all the offences at court.

Fuller was sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison with a further five years to be served on license.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Cheryl Skelton, of North Cumbria Crime and Safeguarding Team, said: “This was a horrendous and terrifying premeditated attack on a young mother in her own home, whilst her young child slept upstairs.

"Fuller arrived at the address in possession of multiple weapons, knowing he could use them to intimidate and force the victim to carry out sexual acts against her will. During the ordeal she feared for her own and her child’s life and this has had a long-lasting effect on her since the incident.

"The fact he also filmed himself carrying out this horrific attack shows how dangerous and sinister an individual he is and we welcome today’s sentencing by the court. The victim has been extremely brave throughout this investigation and I hope that now he has been sentenced this can provide her with some form of closure."

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Harkins: “I would like to thank the victim in this case for the courage she has shown in reporting this attack and throughout the investigation. It is because of this kind of bravery, the dedication and professionalism of our officers and the Crown Prosecution Service, that dangerous offenders such as Fuller are brought to justice.

“I hope this prison sentence sends out a strong message to the public that these offences will be thoroughly investigated and no stone left unturned until offenders are brought to justice.”