Man Gets 18-Year Term for Rape and Robbery : Van Nuys: A plea agreement was reached to keep the elderly victim from having to testify at trial.

A North Hollywood man was sentenced Monday to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to the rape and robbery of a 76-year-old woman last year.

Carl Fullard, 27, entered his plea in Van Nuys Superior Court as jury selection was about to begin. As part of a settlement agreement, Fullard pleaded guilty to rape, robbery and burglary and was immediately sentenced. Had he gone to trial and been convicted, he faced a maximum sentence of 23 years in prison.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Sera J. Boyadjian said the plea agreement was made to avoid having the elderly woman take the stand in a trial.

“I discussed it with the family, and for a difference of five years, they agreed to the plea agreement so that the woman would not have to relive the events in court,” Boyadjian said.

Philip E. Nameth, an attorney with the Alternate Public Defender’s office who represented Fullard, said he and his client consented to the plea agreement because “the likelihood of him being convicted was very high, and neither he nor I wanted see this woman get on the witness stand and further her traumatic experience.”

Fullard was arrested at his home in the 6400 block of Denny Street three days after the Aug. 12 attack. Police said Fullard left clues at the scene that allowed authorities to identify him. Police found $200 in cash and jewelry belonging to the woman in Fullard’s house.

The assault and robbery took place about 5:15 a.m. while the woman was sleeping. Police said Fullard entered her North Hollywood apartment through an open window and attacked her before making off with her property.