Caetano Mauricio Vas

Caetano Mauricio Vas, a 54-year-old man formerly residing on Lady Margaret Road in Southall, was convicted of multiple child sex offences after a jury at Swindon Crown Court found him guilty of raping and sexually abusing a young girl starting from when she was just eight years old. The abuse continued over several years, leaving the victim deeply traumatised, including feelings of suicidality and profound impacts on every aspect of her life. Vas manipulated the child by instilling fear, threatening to release inappropriate photographs if she disclosed the abuse.

The victim bravely broke her silence in 2021, reporting the offences to police, which initiated an investigation by Wiltshire Police. Evidence presented at trial detailed the extent of the exploitation, with Vas charged and found guilty on four counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, one count of inciting a girl under the age of 13 into sexual activity, and one count of sexual assault. The court heard harrowing accounts of how Vas's actions had long-term devastating effects on the survivor.

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Swindon Crown Court, Vas was sentenced to more than 20 years' imprisonment. The judge [name not specified] described the offences as 'twisted' and emphasised the betrayal of trust involved in abusing a child. Wiltshire Police issued a statement post-sentencing, praising the victim's courage and reaffirming their commitment to pursuing child sex offenders. As reported by Somerset Live on July 1, 2025, this case highlights the ongoing efforts to protect children from sexual exploitation.

• Offences: 4 counts of rape of a child under 13; 2 counts of sexual assault by penetration; 1 count of inciting a girl under 13 into sexual activity; 1 count of sexual assault.
• Period of abuse: Starting from when the victim was 8 years old, over several years (exact dates not specified).
• Sentencing court: Swindon Crown Court.
• Reporting year: 2021.

The conviction serves as a stark reminder of the hidden horrors of child sexual abuse and the importance of victim support in bringing perpetrators to justice.