Man jailed for sex assault

Monday 09 January 2017

A sex predator has been jailed for two years and eight months after being caught on camera stalking his victim through the streets of St Helier.

Sentencing Alfredo De Oliveira, Commissioner Julian Clyde-Smith told the 37-year-old former restaurant worker that he had “serious issues” which he needed professional help to address.

The Royal Court heard that De Oliveira assaulted the woman after forcing her into a shop doorway. Police CCTV footage revealed that De Oliveira followed the woman after he finished his shift at La Siesta restaurant on La Colomberie on 1 July. He tracked his victim after she left the friends she has spent the evening with in the town centre.

Crown Advocate Matthew Maletroit told the court that De Oliveira had two previous convictions for harassment in 2013 and had been sentenced to 90 hours community service and advised to seek help.

The victim of the assault in July, the crown advocate said, was initially “stunned and shocked” and her reactions were slow. While giving evidence at an earlier hearing she said the indecent assault lasted up to 25 seconds, causing her pain and discomfort. She said the assault ended when she pushed De Oliveira off with both hands and told him she was calling the police. 

She called the police and told them “someone’s tried to sexually attack me”. By the time the police arrived De Oliveira had fled the scene.

The court heard the victim has suffered stress, anxiety and loss of confidence in the wake of the attack.

De Oliveira was seen by police officers walking in Cattle Street around midnight on 2 July. He was arrested on suspicion of indecent assault and cautioned. He told the officers: “I have three kids. No, it’s not me.”

In September he wrote a letter to his victim which he gave to his probation officer, Maurilia Veloso, and which was read in court by Defence Advocate James Turnbull.

In it he said: “I am writing to you let you know I am very sorry for what I have done. I will never do it again. I am disgusted with myself. Please accept my apology.”