A man has been jailed for over 12 years after falsely imprisoning and raping a woman in Woodford, north London.
Keanu Vella, 30, a registered sex offender, failed to notify authorities when he changed address. On May 10, 2023, he invited a female escort to his home.
After the agreed appointment time, Vella held the woman against her will and raped her at knifepoint.
He was arrested after a member of the public found the victim in a distressed state. Vella pleaded guilty to failing to comply with notification requirements and additional sexual offences in two separate hearings.
Detective constable Jessica Stephens of the Met’s East Area Public Protection Unit said: “Keanu Vella is a registered sex offender who is a clear danger to women.
“He has demonstrated that he is unable to comply with the court ordered notifications that allow him his freedom, and it is right that he will now be in a place where he no longer poses a threat to women and girls.
“I hope that the sentence handed down encourages other victims of sex offences to come forward. It is so important that these offences are reported so we can support victims and start building cases against offenders to bring them before the courts."
Vella was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday.
For failing to comply with notification requirements he was sentenced to 40 weeks' imprisonment [to run concurrently]. For false imprisonment he was sentenced to four years' imprisonment [to run concurrently]. For rape he was sentenced to 12 years and nine months' imprisonment with an extended licence to 18 years and nine months.
PC Emma Porter the victim’s sexual offence liaison officer, who supported the victim throughout the entire process, said: “We are grateful to the victim in this case. She has shown strength, courage and patience throughout the court process.
“Now that Vella is behind bars it is my sincere hope that she can put his abhorrent actions behind her and move forward with her life."
