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Gillingham man Luis Da Silva jailed for child sex offences

A 41-YEAR-OLD Gillingham man has been jailed for more than nine years after admitting to child sex offences.

Luis Da Silva was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday (May 29) after pleading guilty to five sexual offences, including one count of rape.

The court heard an investigation was launched in October 2023 after the victim disclosed to their family that Da Silva had been sexually abusing them.

Following the report, Silva was arrested and charged and has been in police custody since.

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.”

After the sentencing, Detective Inspector Claire Millington of Avon & 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.”

Da Silva was sentenced to nine years and five months in prison, along with a year-long extended licence upon release.

He also received an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

* Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year. Visit their website at www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999.
They can also visit www.thisisnotanexcuse.org for details of charities and organisations who are experts in supporting victims.

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I am the editor in chief of Blackmore Vale media, which includes the New Blackmore Vale, New Stour & Avon, Salisbury & Avon Gazette and the Purbeck Gazette, having been a reporter for some 20 years. In my spare time, I am a festival lover, with a particular focus on Glastonbury. I live in Somerset with my wife and two children.