Man jailed for life in Portsmouth and Southampton rape and assault case

A man from Havant has been jailed for life, and another sentenced to 15 years, for crimes including rape and assault committed against three women in Portsmouth and Southampton.

Bruno Sala, 39, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 28th November 2025 for six counts of rape, one count of assault, and two counts of encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence. He received a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years.

The offences, which took place between 2019 and 2021, involved three women in their 40s whom Sala met through dating apps and formed relationships with. During these relationships, Sala perpetrated repeated violence, rape, and abuse. He often used intimidation or drugs to control his victims.

Prosecutors told the court that Sala forced himself on one of the women when she refused consensual sex, declaring he was “her boss.” On another occasion, Sala arranged for a second man, Edson Domingos, to rape one of the women, claiming his friend hadn’t committed the crime because he had been granted his “permission.”

Domingos, 41, who previously lived in Southsea, was convicted of two counts of rape. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with an additional three years on licence due to his dangerousness.

Detective Constable Nick Sandford-Smith, from Hampshire Police’s Operation Amberstone East team, described Sala and Domingos as “two very dangerous individuals.”

He said, “Sala, who is currently already serving a 28-year jail sentence for a previous rape conviction, created situations in which he would meet women online, establish trust, and then reveal his true personality, subjecting them to truly horrific abuse.

“He viewed these women as his possessions and felt he could do with them whatever he pleased, including offering them to other men for sex without their consent. Sala enabled Domingos to participate in these abhorrent crimes.

“The details of their actions are truly sickening and some of the most despicable behaviour I have ever come across.

“I cannot commend the women who have stood up to these two men enough. Their strength and resilience in coming forward and seeing this through the courts are incredible.”

He added, “These men have been brought to justice today because of the immeasurable bravery of these women, and whilst no sentence will ever truly be enough, I hope that seeing them put behind bars will be a step in the right direction towards rebuilding their lives.”

Victims of sexual assault or rape are encouraged to contact the police on 101, where confidential support is available. Alternatively, individuals can seek help through specialist support services via the dedicated web page at Hampshire Police: Support for victims of rape and sexual assault

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.