Man filmed himself raping woman using victim’s phone and tried to deny it

A judge told Cameron Hassan it was hard to imagine treating a woman in any more degrading manner after recording the ordeal on the victim’s phone as he was found guilty of rape at Swansea Crown Court

A man who used his victim’s cellphone to film himself raping a sleeping woman changed his mind when he was shown video of the horrific attack in court.

Cameron Hassan had pleaded innocent when questioned by police and pleaded not guilty at the start of his trial.

But when he took the stand, he dramatically changed his plea after a video of the sexual assault was shown to the jury at Swansea Crown Court last month.

The 31-year-old returned to the dock on Thursday to be convicted of an anal rape offense that took place in the Ammanford area of ​​Carmarthenshire, south-west Wales in 2021.

The court heard he had 32 prior convictions for 92 offences, including female violence and molestation, but no sex offences.

Nicola Powell, for prosecutors, read a statement from the victim explaining the effects of the sexual assault on her, including depression and problems trusting people.

The woman also said she went through “hell” while awaiting trial and wished the defendant had pleaded guilty to spare her that ordeal.

Paul Hobson, representing Hassan, said while it was only a limited point of mitigation that Hassan used the victim’s phone to record the attack and was never able to distribute the footage.

He also pointed to a prejudice report by a parole officer who had previously dealt with the accused, who, while listing “reasonable concerns” about Hassan’s behavior, also said he had expressed remorse and had the ability to change.

The lawyer added that guilty pleas are comparatively rare in such cases, and although his client’s plea came late in the day, it spared his victim having to testify.

Judge Geraint Walters said he and the jury should have looked at the video of the sexual assault and that any sane person would have found it difficult.

He said the footage showed the accused had “no respect at all for women,” adding it was hard to imagine treating a woman in any more degrading way.

The judge added that after considering the credit issue, he was willing to grant the defendant a 5% rebate on the sentence he would otherwise give, since Hassan’s plea – although raised at the trial – was made before the victim and cross-examined had been taken .

Hassan, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He must serve two-thirds of that sentence in pre-trial detention before he can apply for parole. He will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life.

In a speech following the sentencing, lead investigating officer, Detective Inspector Melanie Havard of Dyfed-Powys Police said the victim showed great strength and determination throughout the investigation and trial.

She said: “I must commend her tremendous courage to come forward and the tenacity shown throughout the investigation.

“We know this is not easy for anyone, but the victim has expressed gratitude to the officer for their support and empathy throughout this process.

“We hope this case shows that Dyfed-Powys Police are acting on serious allegations such as rape and sexual assault, with officers working tirelessly to bring victims justice.”