Man jailed for raping woman in front of her son

A 26-year-old man who was high on drugs when he raped a woman in front of her son has been jailed for 11 years.

Dwaine Bryer of Bury Hill View, Downend, Bristol, broke into the woman's flat in the city on 11 July last year, Bristol Crown Court heard.

He marched the terrified victim into the six-year-old boy's bedroom before carrying out the attack.

A jury convicted him of rape but he was found not guilty of committing grievous bodily harm against the same woman.

The court was told Bryer was high on cocaine at the time of the attack.

He had eight previous convictions for 12 offences, including grievous bodily harm, assaulting a police officer and attempted burglary, and he had a caution for sexual assault.

Bryer was on bail and subject to a curfew at the time, the court heard.

Judge Susan Evans QC said Bryer had "terrified" the victim and caused "incalculable" damage to her child.

"It is clear on July 11 you were a violent, selfish bully," the judge said.

"She didn't want you there. She and her son tried stopping you getting in but you forced your way in.

"You became violent to her. You took her into her son's bedroom and you raped her. It is in my view a sustained attack.

"That young child witnessed you raping his mother. The damage you have done to that child is incalculable - no child should have to witness that."

The court was told the woman ran from the flat screaming in terror, before jumping 20ft (6m) from the flat's balcony, injuring her back.

The judge also placed Bryer on the sex offenders register for life.