Jan 2018, UK man Reece Blain Vella arrested for balcony fall.
New details have emerged regarding the arrest of R.B. Vella, a 25 year old British man, in relation to the tragic death of Wannipa Chanhuathon, a 26 year old Thai girl. Wannipa lost her life after falling from a condominium balcony in Pattaya during the early hours of Saturday.
He has been charged with recklessness causing death as he was the last person seen with Wannipa before she was discovered naked and in a pool of blood outside the Cosy Beach View Condominium. It is believed that she fell from the fifth floor. If convicted, Vella could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years and/or a fine of THB200,000 (approximately US$6,200).
He denies responsibility for the woman's death, claiming that she fell after they had engaged in sexual activity in the room. The encounter reportedly began in the bedroom but continued on the balcony. A packet of Kamagra, an Indian equivalent of Viagra, was found near her unclothed body.
Following the incident, Vella fled the rented room in a state of panic and was apprehended at a nearby bar on Soi Pornpraphanimit Soi 7, carrying Wannipa's phone. Consequently, he has also been charged with theft at night. Further investigation revealed that he had overstayed his Thai visa by 59 days. Currently, he is in police custody and maintains his innocence.
Additional reports suggest that Vella has a history of criminal convictions, including a four-year sentence for rape in 2012, and is wanted by UK authorities for a drug offense. The Mirror reported that he is an ex soldier who left the military due to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
His brother spoke to the media, acknowledging his sibling's troubled past with drugs and incarceration, while emphasizing his attempts to start afresh in a new country. Authorities are diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding Wannipa's fall to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the tragedy.
Oct 2019, Former soldier sentenced to over four years in Thai prison for drug offenses.
Reece Vella, a convicted rapist who fled to Thailand and was subsequently arrested following the death of a Thai lady, has been sentenced to four years in prison for drug offenses at Worcester Crown Court. Vella, a former soldier and resident of Callow End near Worcester, looked down to the ground as the sentence was handed down by Judge Nicholas Cole on Monday.
The 27 year old had previously admitted to being involved in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. Initially pleading not guilty to the drug charges, he flew to Thailand in November 2017, failing to comply with the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 related to his previous sentence for rape and assault. He was required to inform the police if he intended to leave the country. Vella pleaded guilty to this charge upon returning to the UK.
The drug offenses occurred in October 2016 when Vella came to the attention of police while they were on patrol in Wylds Lane. Upon seeing the police, Vella fled from the vehicle, leading to a pursuit and subsequent search. Cling film containing crack cocaine and heroin, with a combined value of £610, was found near Vella. His car was also searched, revealing kinder eggs with traces of drugs beneath the steering wheel, commonly used by drug dealers.