ROBERT REYNOLDS SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ATTACK AND RAPE AT WINCHESTER PRISON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community and the prison system, Robert Reynolds, aged 29, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous crimes committed while he was an inmate at HMP Winchester, located on Romsey Road. The incident, which took place in July 2021, involved a brutal assault on a fellow prisoner that included the use of boiling water, followed by physical violence and sexual assault.

According to court proceedings, Reynolds had initially denied all charges, which included grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of rape, and sexual assault. However, after a comprehensive five-day trial at Salisbury Crown Court, the jury found him guilty on all counts. The court heard that Reynolds targeted a male inmate in his 20s during their incarceration at Winchester Prison. The attack was particularly vicious, with Reynolds pouring boiling water from a kettle directly onto the victim, resulting in severe burns to his back and face.

Following the assault, Reynolds continued his violence by punching and kicking the victim. The assault escalated further when Reynolds raped and sexually assaulted the man, acts that the jury confirmed as part of their verdict. The injured victim was initially treated within the prison facility for his burns and injuries. However, due to the severity of his burns, he was subsequently transferred to a specialist burns unit at a hospital for more comprehensive treatment. It was during this period that the victim disclosed the sexual offences committed against him.

On Wednesday, December 13, Reynolds was sentenced to 12 years in prison during a hearing at Winchester Crown Court. He is currently held at HMP Bullingdon. The sentencing was a culmination of a lengthy and challenging investigation, which involved cooperation between prison authorities and law enforcement agencies.

Detective Sergeant Harry Wilson commented on the case, emphasizing the gravity of the attack: "This was a horrific attack on a vulnerable man in a prison. While the victim has since left prison, he continues to deal with the physical and mental impact of what happened to him. This was a difficult and long investigation, and I hope this shows that we will work closely with the prison to investigate any criminal offences that occur there."

Reynolds’s actions have left a lasting scar on the victim, and the case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability within the prison system to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring.