Child rapist jailed for 25 years by Swindon Court

A man who subjected a child to years of horrific sexual abuse has been jailed for more than two decades.

Caetano Mauricio Vas, 54, formerly of Lady Margaret Road in Southhall, was sentenced to 25 years in prison at Swindon Crown Court today - 5 June.

A jury found Vas guilty of four counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, one count of inciting a girl under the age of 13 into sexual activity and one count of sexual assault.

Vas sexually abused his victim from when she was just eight years old, which massively impacted all aspects of her life and left her feeling suicidal.

He instilled fear in her by claiming he'd release inappropriate photographs of her if she told anyone about his vile abuse.

The offences took place in Swindon between 2014 and 2016 but the victim bravely broke her silence in 2021.

Vas denied the offences and the case went to trial in March. During this, the victim recalled her traumatic abuse to a jury who found the defendant guilty on March 17.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said: "It is hard to understand how one person could have such an impact.

"His actions have affected me in so many ways, which I have to cope with daily and I will probably have to cope with for the rest of my life.

"I always knew Mauricio wasn’t going to admit what he did. I was always prepared to give evidence. I was nervous but I hope that I am becoming stronger, even though at times I feel so weak.

"Mauricio ruined my childhood. Even though I am an adult now, I still feel like I want that childhood that I missed out on.

"No matter what happens to Mauricio now, I will never get all those years back that I lost because of what happened."

Detective Constable Chloe Smith, from Wiltshire Police's Child Abuse Investigation Team, supported the victim from when she first reported the abuse up to the day Vas was sentenced.

DC Smith said: "I would like to commend the victim for her immense courage and patience throughout the process of bringing Vas to justice.

"Child predators like Vas have no place in our society and we will do our utmost to deal with them robustly while supporting the victims who are left with life-long trauma as a result of their heinous actions."

People who have been sexually abused, or know someone who has, can report it to the police by calling 999 or through their website. They are promised that when they are ready to speak, the police will be there to support them.

More information about support agencies can be found at https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/