Man jailed for sexually abusing young girl when he was also a child

Thursday 11 January 2024

A 20-year-old man has been jailed for sexual offences he committed when he was 12 and 16 against a girl five years younger than him.

Jose Guilherme Vieira Da Costa kissed the girl and attempted to force her to perform a sex act when she was six years old, and touched her indecently when she was aged 11.

His offences came to light after the victim reported the assaults to a teacher, who then contacted the police.

The victim was supported throughout by Dewberry House Sexual Assault Referral Centre, an independent sexual violence advisor from Jersey Domestic Abuse Support.

Da Costa was charged in March last year. He denied the offences but was found guilty of committing an unlawful sexual act with a child and procuring acts of gross indecency, following a trial last year.

Delivering her verdict in November, Magistrate Bridget Shaw said there were rarely any eye-witnesses to sexual offences, but added: “I am satisfied that the victim was a compelling witness who told the truth.”

At the Magistrate's Court this week, Da Costa was sentenced to one year in prison and was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years. He was also given a five-year restraining order.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Charles Vibert said: “We are committed to investigating and prosecuting all sexual offenders and want to assure victims that there are a number of agencies who are in a position to offer support and guidance through all stages of the criminal justice process.”

SUPPORT...

Islanders affected by any of the issues raised in this report can contact any of the following:

SARC at Dewberry House provides expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 888222. 

Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) provide and maintain a supporting framework for survivors and their families. Confidential helpline: 01534 482800.

Freeda (formerly Jersey Women’s Refuge) offer help and support for victims of domestic abuse. Tel: 0800 7356836.

Victim Support offer free and confidential advice to victims of crime. Tel: 01534 440496. 

Victims First Jersey is a free and independent service offering confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime. Tel: 0800 7351612. 

Samaritans offer a confidential and non-judgemental listening ear to people who need to talk. Tel: 116 123 free from any phone or 0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply).