Police Force Failed to Stop Serial Rapist After Officer Reported Attack
A police force has been exposed for failing to stop a serial rapist even after one of its own officers reported being raped by him, with authorities accusing her of lying. Bruno Sala, a 39-year-old originally from Portugal, was sentenced to life in prison in November for raping and sexually assaulting multiple women between 2019 and 2021.
Missed Opportunity to Prevent Further Crimes
Hampshire Constabulary could have halted Sala's offending as early as January 2020. Police Constable Victoria Tomkins, who has waived her right to anonymity, reported being raped by Sala that month after an attack left her hospitalised. However, the force failed to properly investigate her complaint.
Shockingly, in a letter justifying their decision not to send evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision, police stated there was a 'discrepancy' in her account which suggested 'you are lying'. They claimed insufficient evidence existed to proceed with the case.
At least three other women were subsequently raped by Sala after Ms Tomkins filed her complaint of rape and coercive control, according to Channel 4 News reports.
Victims' Harrowing Experiences
Ms Tomkins, a mother-of-two and police officer of 16 years, told broadcasters she knew Sala was 'dangerous' and reported the attack to get him off the streets. After meeting him on Tinder in early 2019, she described how he quickly revealed his true colours.
'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,' she said.
Three months after Ms Tomkins' report, Sala began a relationship with Joanna, who has also waived her right to anonymity. She recounted begging Sala and other men to stop violent attacks, only for Sala to respond: 'Shut up b****, I am the boss.'
A third victim said she once woke to find another man raping her, but Sala told her: 'He didn't rape you – I gave him permission to f*** you.'
Eventual Conviction and Sentencing
Sala was eventually charged with raping a fourth woman in April 2022, subjecting her to four hours of sexual torture. His other three victims only discovered the case through news reports. Following a review, Sala was convicted of raping Ms Tomkins, Joanna, and the third victim.
In November, Sala received a life sentence 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. He was already serving a 28-year prison term for a previous rape conviction.
An appeal is understood to be underway by the CPS regarding the sentence being unduly lenient, while Sala is also appealing his convictions.
Police Misconduct and Institutional Failures
Detective Chief Inspector Roger Wood, who oversaw the review suggesting Ms Tomkins had lied, has since been barred from policing for sexual misconduct. A hearing found he 'exploited' two junior police staff for sex after boasting about his 'rank, importance and power'.
Former Chief Constable Scott Chilton retired 'with immediate effect' last year after allegations emerged that he too had a sexual relationship with a junior colleague.
Ms Tomkins says her career ended due to reporting the rape. She was informed she failed vetting procedures because she admitted taking drugs while under Sala's control. Hampshire Constabulary allegedly threatened her with misconduct papers.
'I will never forgive the police. To know these ladies have been damaged sits heavily on my shoulders,' Ms Tomkins said, adding that the experience 'destroyed me and destroyed my family'.
Police Response and Ongoing Review
Following Sala's sentencing, Hampshire Constabulary issued a statement praising the 'strength and resilience' of the women. DC Nick Sandford-Smith described Sala's offending as 'abhorrent abuse' that was 'truly sickening'.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo stated: 'We recognise that our handling of aspects of this investigation caused additional distress and accept that it fell below the standards expected. We are deeply sorry for the harm experienced.'
The force has commissioned a review of the initial investigation and internal response to identify learning opportunities. They are examining whether further lines of enquiry can be pursued, including identifying additional victims.
Hampshire Constabulary has not referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct but is keeping this decision 'under review'. An IOPC spokesperson said they expect the force to consider a referral if their review identifies conduct matters for individual officers.
One of Sala's associates, Edson Domingos, 41, from Southsea, was jailed for 15 years for two counts of rape plus 3 years on licence due to dangerousness. Victims report still living in fear as other men they say attacked them alongside Sala remain at large.
