ALEJANDRO ALVAREZ FROM HIGHWORTH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SWINDON

In April 2019, a disturbing case of sexual abuse involving a local guitar instructor from Highworth, Alejandro Alvarez, came to light, culminating in his sentencing to four and a half years in prison. The court heard that Alvarez, aged 63 at the time, had engaged in grooming and molesting a 13-year-old girl during the years 2002 and 2003, actions that have left a lasting impact on the victim's life.

Prosecutor Colin Meeke detailed to Swindon Crown Court that the young girl, who was living in Wroughton at the time, had a close relationship with Alvarez, who frequently visited her family’s home. The court was informed that the defendant’s interactions with the girl escalated to sexual misconduct, including acts of passionate kissing and coercing her into performing sexual acts on him. It was revealed that Alvarez, who was nearly 50 years old during the offending period, also engaged in rubbing his naked genitals against her, further violating her trust and innocence.

When Alvarez was apprehended and questioned by authorities, he did not deny the allegations. Instead, he admitted to the misconduct, stating simply, “it’s true,” and even confessed to more details than the victim had initially disclosed. This admission underscored the severity of his actions and the breach of trust involved.

The court heard how the victim, now in her late twenties, has struggled with the emotional aftermath of the abuse. She described suffering from social anxiety, low self-esteem, and ongoing therapy, which she continues to attend 16 years after the incident. She also revealed that she has battled eating disorders and feels that her childhood and young adult years were robbed from her due to the trauma.

In her statement, she expressed the profound and devastating impact the abuse has had on her life, stating, “The impact of being sexually abused has had a devastating effect on my life. I feel robbed of my childhood and young adult years, and if I had not been put through this, I would have a happier, healthier life.”

Alvarez, who resides in Sevenfields, Highworth, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault. The court also noted that in 2007, he was convicted of outraging public decency following an incident on a bus, indicating a pattern of inappropriate behavior.

Defense attorney Chris Smyth acknowledged Alvarez’s remorse, emphasizing that his client had immediately admitted his wrongdoing and accepted responsibility. Smyth clarified that Alvarez was not “attracted to children, per se,” but that his feelings towards the victim at the time were inappropriate. The lawyer also highlighted that Alvarez, who presents as a mild-mannered individual, is employed and is a talented musician with a history of professional performances.

Judge Robert Pawson sentenced Alvarez to four and a half years in prison, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victim, who was only 13 years old at the time of the abuse. The judge stated, “She was by definition vulnerable. She was aged 13, and you were 48. She describes grooming. There is no issue of her consent. She was a child of 13.” The case underscores the grave breach of trust and the lasting damage caused by such predatory behavior.