Rosario Bellardita Defelice, a 52-year-old man from Salford, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for a series of horrific child sex offences committed against two young girls. The case, heard at Manchester Crown Court, involved systematic sexual abuse and rape that spanned several years, leaving the victims traumatised and fearful for their lives.
Prosecutor Charlotte Rimmer detailed how Defelice first sexually assaulted one girl, warning her not to tell anyone about the incident. He then targeted a second girl, subjecting her to repeated abuse. Defelice pleaded guilty to 39 offences, including sexual assault on a child under 13, attempted rape of a child under 13, rape of a child under 16, assault by penetration, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child, and causing a child to watch sexual activity. The abuse involved plying the second victim with alcohol to make her more submissive, giving her cash and gifts after the acts, sending sexually explicit messages, and showing her pornography on his phone.
The court heard disturbing details of Defelice's manipulations, such as bringing 'lube', baby wipes, and bin bags to cover car seats, using a sunshade to obscure windows, and expressing a desire to impregnate the victim. He compared one rape to 'police breaking down doors' and would sob about his own childhood to gain sympathy. The second victim, described as 'extremely timid and shy', developed suicidal thoughts as a result of the abuse, yet Defelice goaded her during her distress. She would cry during the offences but hide her tears to avoid upsetting him.
- Defelice assaulted the first victim and threatened her silence.
- He carried out systematic abuse on the second victim, including rape and exploitation.
- Manipulation tactics included gifts, alcohol, and emotional blackmail.
- The victims' identities are protected for legal reasons.
In victim impact statements, the first girl said: 'I froze completely and wanted to inform someone of what he had done but Defelice had made me scared of the consequences. I was terrified for my safety. I was angry. I felt emotionally and physically broken. I just knew he had the choice to not behave this way.' The second victim added: 'I never thought I would tell anyone, I never considered it as an option, it was a secret to keep for the rest of my life. He told me I would go down with him and that everyone would see me as disgusting and dirty. I wanted to die. I didn’t see any point in living anymore. I never thought I would have the courage to speak up. It was the scariest thing. After I reported it, I became extremely paranoid and had nightmares every night. I was constantly running on adrenaline. I am more than what happened to me and I will survive all of this, even if it takes a long time.'
Mitigating, Rachel Cooper noted that Defelice is likely to be deported upon release. Judge Hilary Manley condemned him, stating: 'You destroyed, terrorised and corrupted the childhoods of your victims, adding: You did anything to continue to get your way and to continue your depraved enjoyment in what you were doing.' Defelice received a 24-year custodial sentence with an extended licence period of eight years, serving two-thirds in jail. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. The case was prosecuted in connection with Greater Manchester Police, as determined from the reporting context.