Weymouth Rapist Sentenced to 19 Years for Violent Attacks and Sexual Assault

A convicted rapist who subjected a woman in her own home in Weymouth to a harrowing ordeal described as a '20 hour nightmare' has been sentenced to 19 years in prison. Reece Blain Vella, aged 32, was found guilty of multiple serious crimes including rape, strangulation, assaults, and threats during a prolonged attack between November 14 and 15, 2023, with one incident on August 28, 2023. The court revealed that Vella entered the victim's house and used a steak knife to intimidate her from the outset. During the ordeal, he took a serrated bread knife, pressed it against her throat while she was on the phone, and committed physical assaults including punches and strangulation that caused her to bleed badly. Vella also recorded footage of the rape on his phone. The victim, showing remarkable strength, reported that throughout the attack, she feared for her life and had to comply to survive. The judge described how Vella followed her around the house, including to the bathroom, before raping her again, with the assaults and threats continuing until the morning when he raped her once more before going to work. Despite her injuries and pain, the victim managed to contact a social worker, leading to Vella's arrest. Vella has a history of convictions, including previous rape, battery, and drug offenses, and has served time abroad in Thailand where he was returned to the UK in 2019 and jailed for drug charges. The court also noted mental health issues affecting Vella, including psychosis and dissociative personality disorder. He received multiple sentences, totaling 19 years with an additional six years on licence, a life-long Sexual Harm Prevention Order, registration as a sex offender for life, and a restraining order to keep him from contacting the victim. Vella appeared via video from HMP Winchester and initially pleaded guilty to two charges before changing his pleas on the day of the trial. Following sentencing, police praised the victim's courage and emphasized their commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.