DI Steve Harrod led the investigation

The baby is now being cared for by the woman's family.

The investigation also led to one of McDonald's colleagues, Harry Mitchell of Leamington Spa, being jailed for two years after he was convicted of indecently assaulting the same woman.

Sentencing McDonald, Mr Justice Hughes said it had been a particularly wicked crime on someone who had been "completely helpless".

McDonald had a previous conviction for aggravated burglary during which he had ordered a woman to strip at knifepoint, the judge added.

He said McDonald should serve at least six years and ordered him to be placed on the register of sex offenders.

Review

After the hearing the woman's mother said she was shocked the home had employed McDonald.

"People with police records shouldn't be allowed to work in nursing homes," she said.

She said the rape had torn her family apart but it was unclear whether her daughter knew what had happened to her.

She had now been moved to another care home and was improving, the victim's mother added.

The policeman who led the investigation, Detective Inspector Steve Harrod, said he was satisfied with the sentence.

"Our thoughts from the police go out to the victim and her family and I hope they can take comfort from the fact that Ian McDonald has now been brought to justice," said DI Harrod.

Warwickshire Health Authority said a review of the circumstances which allowed the offences against the woman to happen was underway.