Child Sex Offender (20) Jailed For A Year

Jose Guilherme Vieira Da Costa has been sentenced to a year in prison for sexually assaulting a child.

The victim came forward in October 2021, telling a teacher that Vieira Da Costa had sexually assaulted her years ago.

He was arrested and placed on bail whilst investigations continued and was eventually charged in early 2023.

That January, the victim revealed that Vieira Da Costa had also sexually assaulted her when she was six years old.

He was further arrested, and charged last March.

A trial at Jersey's Magistrate's Court last November found the defendant guilty an unlawful sexual act between children, and of procuring acts of gross indecency with a child, despite denying Vieira Da Costa all offences.

The 20-year-old has also been put on the Sex Offenders' Register for five years and given a five-year restraining order.

Detective Constable Charles Vibert says the police are committed to investigating and prosecuting all sexual offenders.

"[We] 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 work with key partners and advocacy services such as the SARC at Dewberry House, JDAS, JAAR and [FREEDA, formerly] the Jersey Women’s Refuge, to encourage victims of sexual crime to report such incidents."

Several local agencies offer advice and support:

• Jersey Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support (JDAS) offer specialist support and guidance concerning domestic or sexual abuse incidents. Support is provided before, during and after any police investigation or court hearing.
  • Call: 01534 880505 or email JDAS@gov.je
• The SARC at Dewberry House provide expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. The Centre comprises a team of experts with a wealth of knowledge and experience in advising, supporting and treating anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.
  • Call: 01534 888222.
• Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) provide and maintain a supporting framework for survivors and their families.
  • Call: 01534 482801.
• FREEDA, formerly the Jersey Women's Refuge, offer help and support for victims of domestic abuse.
  • Call: 0800 7356836.
• Victims First Jersey is a free and independent service offering confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime.
  • Call 0800 7351612.