Bruno Sala: Leigh Park rapist's life sentence extended after solicitor's plea to Court of Appeal
A rapist from Havant who was jailed for life last year has seen his sentence extended - after it was ruled to be ‘unduly lenient’.
In November last year, Bruno Sala, who is of Portuguese nationality and previously of Middle Park Way, was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 20 years, for six counts of rape, one count of assault and two counts of encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence.
The offences took place against three women in their 40s, between 2019 and 2021. Portsmouth Crown Court heard how he met the trio through dating apps.
After his sentencing last year, the UK’s solicitor general - deputy to the attorney general - made a plea to the Court of Appeal, which has since resulted in Sala’s prison sentence being extended.
Solicitor general Ellie Reeves KC MP said: “What Bruno Sala did to these women was utterly despicable. He deliberately targeted three women, manipulating them and committing horrific acts of sexual violence. I welcome the court’s decision to increase Sala’s sentence following my referral.
“My thoughts are with his victims, who showed immense courage in coming forward. Violence against women and girls is never acceptable, and I will use every tool available to ensure sentences reflect the true gravity of these crimes.”
On March 31, Sala’s sentence was increased to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 21 years and 258 days.