Dating app rapist has prison sentence increased

A man who raped and violently assaulted three women he met through dating apps has had his jail sentence increased after the government referred the case to the Court of Appeal.

Bruno Sala offered his victims to other men for sex and subjected them to physical and sexual abuse, police and prosecutors previously said.

The 39-year-old, from Havant, Hampshire, was jailed for life at Portsmouth Crown Court in November 2025.

His minimum prison term has been increased from 16 years and 137 days to 21 years and 258 days, the government said.

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."

Previously, Channel 4 News reported that Sala continued to prey on women after attacking a police officer.

Former Hampshire officer Vicki Tomkins told the broadcaster: "He always wanted other men involved in the relationship despite me not wanting that.

"But you comply because if you don't, you're going to get raped and beaten."

The police officer of 16 years, who waived her right to anonymity, said she reported his offences to her own force in 2020.

However, detectives told her she "could have been lying" and did not take the case further, she said.

Sala raped at least three other women following Tomkins' complaint, Channel 4 previously reported.

He was subsequently jailed for five rapes, two counts of assisting or encouraging rape and two counts of actual bodily harm, the government said.

The Portuguese national was previously convicted of multiple sexual offences and assault against a fourth victim, receiving a 20-year jail sentence with an extra five years on licence, it added.

In a previous statement, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary acknowledged its investigation had "caused additional distress".

It said it was reviewing its actions and checking whether any new lines of inquiry could be pursued, including identifying any further victims.

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