Gillingham man jailed for child sex offences
41 year old Luis Da Silva admitted five crimes, including a count of rape
A Dorset man's been jailed for nine years and five months after admitting a string of child sex offences.
41 year old Luis Da Silva from Gillingham has been sentenced at Bristol Crown Court.
He pleaded guilty to five sexual offences, including a count of rape, against the same victim.
As well as his prison sentence, Da Silva will have a year-long extended licence on his release, and has received an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
A police investigation began in October 2023, after the victim told her family about the sexual abuse by Da Silva.
In a statement, the victim said:
“Since this happened to me, it has made me feel like I have been living a nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from.
“I feel scared of being on my own. I know he is in prison but it makes me feel worried, scared and stressed.”
Detective Inspector Claire Millington from Avon and Somerset Police said:
“I want to praise the victim for their courage in reporting what had been happening to her, and thank her for placing her trust and belief in the investigation team.
“Luis Da Silva groomed and manipulated the victim for the sole purpose of committing horrendous acts against her when she was a young child and his actions have no doubt had a devastating impact on her.
“He used lies and fear to ensure her silence for years, giving absolutely no regard to the psychological impact of his crimes.
“I commend the dedication of the officer in charge of this investigation, DC Harry Vance, for his commitment to securing justice for this victim and ensuring Da Silva can no longer cause harm to her.”