The victim read her victim impact statement at the County Court in Melbourne on Monday during the plea hearing for the offender.

She said in her statement the man was a 'wolf in sheep's clothing' and she frequently had nightmares of 'that night'.

The 60-year-old, who The Courier cannot name to protect the victim's identity, was found guilty of one charge of rape by a jury after a trial in Ballarat in June.

The man raped the victim on the night of her father's funeral in 2008.

Judge Damian Murphy said it was a 'shocking event' and the victim was vulnerable.

Crown prosecutor Ruth Champion said the rape at the man's home was a breach of trust and was physically violent.

"She was entitled to rely on him for emotional support at the time," Ms Champion said.

The court heard the victim retreated to the wardrobe after rejecting the man's sexual advances, sat down and pushed her feet against the doors to prevent him gaining access.

The man forced his way into the wardrobe, dragged her out onto the carpet, pulled her up off the floor by the hair and threw her onto the bed.

The court heard he tore off her underwear and restrained her by holding her hands above her head on the bed.

Ms Champion said the victim told the court when giving evidence in the trial she was hysterical, crying, begging him to stop and tried to kick and hit him during the incident.

The victim's daughter gave evidence during the trial her mother was distraught and crying about 12pm that night when she told her she had been raped over the phone.

The victim's friend gave evidence she had told her about the rape a few days later and was hyperventilating, dry retching and shaking and crying.

The court heard the victim and the man married after the incident and remained in a relationship for some time, but Ms Champion said this bore no relevance to the gravity of the offending.

The victim said she had memories of feeling fear, confusion, panic, trust and anger and continued to feel guilt, shame and loss of self worth.

"You stole ownership of my body and my mind," she said.

"I will have to see a psychologist for the rest of my life because of your cruelty and your ability to manipulate me.

"The old me is gone forever and that makes me so sad. The old me is a work in progress.

"You stole my strength, you stole my past."

Defence barrister Tim Marsh said there was a significant delay in the reporting and investigation of the case.

He said the allegation of rape was first raised in 2013 and it was first reported to police in 2014.

The court heard there was a delay in police investigation and prosecution of the case.

"The delay represents a period of time this has been hanging over his head and created a level of anxiety," Mr Marsh said.

Mr Marsh said the man had a lack of prior offences, had been with a new partner for seven years and had contributed to the community.

He said his client was diagnosed with depression and anxiety after workplace bullying.

Judge Murphy said denunciation had to be a significant sentencing consideration.

Ms Champion provided examples of other comparable cases where sentences of imprisonment were imposed.

The man was taken into custody and he will return to court for sentencing on Friday.