A rapist has been jailed for a minimum of seven years for raping a woman from Brent after breaking into her home and threatening her with scissors.

Andrei Makara, 40, of no fixed address, was given a life sentence with the minimum term at Harrow Crown Court today after pleading guilty to two counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration and one count of robbery.

The court heard how Makara broke in to the 31-year-old woman’s house-share at around 10:40am on July 24 while she was in a bathroom upstairs.

Hearing a loud bang downstairs the woman realised someone was trying to break in and managed to lock the door.

But Makara forced the door open with his shoulder and hurt his hand.

Terrified, the victim bandaged his hand and offered him her bank card in exchange for her safety.

Makara became aggressive, threatened her with a pair of scissors then raped her.

He then demanded she hand over her bank card and PIN number, threatening to kill her if the details were wrong.

He also stole her husband’s bicycle and left the address.

The woman told police about the robbery the same night, and reported the rape two days later.

Det Con Alan Wong said: “I hope today’s sentence gives the victim some measure of comfort and closure.

“I would like to commend her for her bravery and having the courage to report the incident to the police. Her evidence was vital in ensuring a dangerous individual has been put behind bars.”