Select a region
A 43-year-old man who touched and tried to kiss a 12-year-old girl has been jailed for six months.
Joao Gomes Drumond was found guilty of sexually touching a child, following a two-day trial in the Magistrate’s Court last month.
The victim gave evidence at the trial. She said that Drumond approached her from behind and stroked and slapped her buttocks.
The girl said that he left the room but returned soon afterwards and tried to kiss her on the mouth.
She added that she said "no" and moved, so that he kissed her on the shoulder.
During the two-day trial, she told legal adviser Francis Burak, prosecuting, that she was "mad and sad about what he had done".
Another guest at the function said he had seen Drumond near the alleged victim and heard her say: "No."
The guest said the girl then told him that Drumond had tried to kiss her but did not mention the alleged touching. He added that he advised her to tell her mother.
The victim told her mother about the incident and it was reported to the police. Drumond was arrested the following day.
As well as the six-month jail sentence, Drumond was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years and given a five-year restraining order.
Following today's sentencing, Detective Constable Carla Garnier 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.
"We hope that this sentence gives the victim and her family some form of closure.”
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. Tel: 01534 482801.
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. Call 0800 7351612.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.