A MAN who raped a mum while her two children were at home has been jailed for six years.

The terrifying attack at her home left the victim battered and bleeding.

As her ordeal unfolded she felt sickened and disgusted and truly believed she would be killed by Christopher Ormerod.

Ormerod, 34, of Bonsall Street, Blackburn had pleaded guilty to rape when he appeared at Preston Crown Court yesterday.

In addition to the six year jail term, he was put on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

Mr Richard Haworth, prosecuting, told the court the rape took place in the early hours of the morning this year in Blackburn.

Ormerod had been at the woman's home and returned later.

The court heard he undid her clothing as she tried to punch him away with both hands.

The defendant then bit her neck as she continued to struggle.

She was "helpless and completely overpowered." The ordeal continued and Ormerod punched the woman in the face.

She was feeling dazed and bleeding heavily from the nose, the court was told.

He then raped her and pressure was applied to her neck, causing her to black out.

The prosecution said Ormerod stopped what he was doing when the woman stopped struggling and she was eventually able to run from her home.

"It must have been a terrifying experience for her," said Mr Haworth.

Mr Dennis Watson, defending, said Ormerod had pleaded guilty and had spared his victim from having to come to court.

His early plea had meant no trial date had been set.

Ormerod accepted he had behaved disgracefully. "He is ashamed and wishes to apologise."

Drink had played its part and his behaviour had been out of character, he said.

Judge Stuart Baker told Ormerod the offence had "involved a prolonged and persistent physical attack. It was a brutal attack.".

He added: "There was quite unnecessary and persistent violence."