A burglar subjected a terrified woman to a rape ordeal at knifepoint after breaking into her Maidstone home, a court heard.

James Donoghue was committing his second burglary of the day in the Fant area on July 14 when he was interrupted by the victim.

Eleanor Laws, prosecuting, said Donoghue, 42, threatened the woman, aged 30, with the knife and took degrading photographs of her, Miss Laws told Maidstone Crown Court this week.

Donoghue sexually assaulted her and went on to rape her. He attempted to remove evidence that would link him to the attack but was trapped by DNA left behind on a glove.

“He entered another property and washed himself and had a bath,” said the prosecutor. “He was arrested shortly afterwards.

“He denied the offences for some time, even after DNA evidence was provided to him.

“After hearing the complainant in distress in a 999 call, he brought the (police) interview to an end and admitted most of what took place.”

Slightly built and balding Donoghue, of no address, admitted two charges of rape, one of sexual assault and two of burglary.

Miss Laws said further consideration would be given to a second sexual assault charge which Donoghue denied. The basis on which he entered his pleas would also be considered.

“It is a very serious case,” added Miss Laws.

Keith Middleton, defending, said Donoghue had a very chequered history.

“He has lost something like three stone since being remanded,” he said. “He is not in the best shape. He is under huge stress.”

Judge Martin Joy called for pyschiatric and probation reports. He adjourned the case until October 19 for a further hearing.

Remanding Donoghue in custody, he said: “He has pleaded guilty to a very grave matter. A lengthy custodial sentence appears inevitable.”