A man who repeatedly raped and assaulted a woman has had his jail sentence increased.

Ian Vacciana, from Newham, was found guilty earlier this year of attacking the woman on a number of occasions between summer 2018 and spring 2019.

The 58-year-old first attempted to rape his victim in 2018 and in the months that followed, she was left requiring hospital treatment as a result of his violent attacks.

He also raped her on multiple occasions, with the alarm eventually raised when the woman managed to call the police after one particularly violent attack.

In March, Vacciana was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court to 13 years and 6 months’ imprisonment with an extended licence period of four years.

He had been found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent, rape, attempted rape and assault by beating.

But the Solicitor General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP, referred Vacciana's sentence to the court of appeal and on Thursday, December 10, it was found to be unduly lenient.

It has now been increased to 18 years’ imprisonment with an extended licence period of four years.