A man was jailed for four-and-a-half years after filming himself raping and sexually assaulting a woman while she was unconscious due to a combination of medication and alcohol.

Derby Crown Court heard that Janis Vizulins, 33, had attempted to engage in sexual activity with the victim while she was awake, but she repeatedly refused. However, after she fell asleep, Vizulins proceeded to abuse her.

The victim only realized what had transpired days later when she discovered the recording on her mobile phone. Distraught, she contacted a friend in tears and was persuaded to report the incident to the police.

Sentencing Vizulins, Recorder Graham Huston stated, "This was humiliation. She was not aware of what was going on, she was in a particularly vulnerable state due to the effects of the medication. While I am not suggesting in any way you plied her with alcohol and medication, there was initial consent given for some form of sexual activity between you. However, you continued to assault and rape her without her consent and knowledge. That behaviour goes beyond what is acceptable. By your guilty pleas, you have rightfully shown regret and remorse, and the enormity of your behaviour became clear to you when you realised what you had truly done."

The prosecution, led by Gurdial Singh, outlined that the rape occurred in January at a residence in Derby. Both parties had been drinking and went to the property where consensual sexual activity had taken place. However, Vizulins desired further activity, to which the victim repeatedly said "no" and asked him to stop. Despite this, she fell asleep, and Vizulins disregarded her refusal.

Days later, upon viewing the video, the victim contacted her friend, crying and asking her to come over. She explained that she had taken medication that night and did not consent to the act. Both women then went to the police.

Initially, Vizulins denied the rape allegation, but later pleaded guilty to both rape and assault by penetration. He had three prior convictions, but none related to sexual activity.

Steve Gisnell, representing Vizulins, presented three character references that portrayed a "very different person" from the one who committed the offenses. Gisnell stated, "He has taken responsibility for what he has done. Alcohol had been taken by both parties, and he believes it impaired his decision. If he had been a sober man with his wits about him, this would not have happened. He knows the dangers of becoming inebriated to such a stage that he carried out this unlawful act. He knows it was an awful offense."

In addition to the four-and-a-half-year jail term, Recorder Huston imposed a 10-year restraining order prohibiting Vizulins from contacting the victim. He was also placed on the sex offender register for life.