A MAN has been told by a judge he could receive a life prison sentence for the rape and sexual assault of a woman who was subjected to a “terrible ordeal”.
Paul Anthony Fuller, 36, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court earlier today (FRI), and admitted a total of nine offences he had previously denied.
Fuller admitted two charges of rape and two sexual assaults. He also pleaded guilty to two charges of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent; and the possession of several offensive weapons – a baton, a meat cleaver and two knives – in a public place.
All of Fuller’s offences are said to have occurred in the Carlisle area in late July.
His case was adjourned by Judge James Adkin, who asked the probation service to prepare a background report which addresses a number of issues. This will include an assessment of the future risk of serious harm to the public posed by Fuller, of Greenhill, Brampton. He was remanded in custody until January 7, when he is due to be sentenced at the crown court.
Judge Adkin noted the victim had been subjected to a “terrible ordeal”. “You should understand in the context of this case – obviously depending on what the pre-sentence report says – you will be made subject to an inevitable custodial sentence.
“Whether that is a discretionary life sentence, an extended determinate sentence or a standard determinate sentence remains to be seen.”
