BERNARD PERIERA'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN CROYDON: FAMILY'S FIGHT FOR JUSTICE

In January 2013, a heartbreaking story emerged from Croydon, where a family voiced their profound disappointment and frustration with the justice system following the sentencing of Bernard Periera, a man convicted of child abuse. The victims, Steven and Lucy—whose real names have been protected—had endured over two decades of suffering in silence, carrying the weight of their trauma for more than 20 years. Their ordeal, which only came to light recently, highlights the long-lasting scars of childhood abuse and the perceived failures of the legal process to deliver true justice.

Steven and Lucy’s lives were overshadowed by nightmares and blackouts, symptoms of the abuse they endured at the hands of Bernard Periera, a man they believed was a trusted family friend. Their suffering persisted quietly, even from each other, until last year when the darkness became unbearable. It was only then that they found the courage to confide in their family, revealing the abuse that had haunted them since childhood. Their mother, Paula, recounts how her children’s revelations prompted them to report the incidents to the police, initiating a criminal investigation that would span years.

Initially, the family was led to believe that their case was strong, supported by witness statements and police assurances that the evidence was compelling enough to secure a conviction. The police, specifically officers from the Met’s Sapphire unit—specializing in rape and sexual assault cases—had assured Paula that justice was within reach. However, their hopes were dashed when, just before the trial scheduled for October, Bernard Periera, then 55 and residing on Mitcham Road in Croydon, entered into a plea bargain. Instead of facing trial on all charges, he agreed to plead guilty to only two counts of indecency with a child, with the remaining charges, including attempted rape, being dropped.

According to reports, the plea deal was presented to Steven and Lucy by a senior detective, who informed their family that they had only five minutes to decide whether to accept the arrangement. Paula describes the distress this caused, especially for her daughter Lucy, who was overwhelmed and distraught by the sudden pressure. The family requested more time to consider, but the detective insisted they had no choice, stating that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) would decide if they did not make a quick decision. This hurried process starkly contrasted with the police’s earlier reassurances about the strength of their case.

Paula recalls how police had initially told her that their evidence was solid, with witnesses willing to corroborate Steven and Lucy’s accounts. She expressed her disbelief that, despite the long passage of time, the police believed they could still secure justice. The family had prepared themselves for a difficult trial, even visiting the court beforehand to understand what to expect. They were determined to see Bernard Pereira held accountable, believing that justice would be served through a full trial. However, the police’s apparent pre-emptive negotiations for a plea deal undermined their efforts.

Neither Steven nor Lucy agreed to the plea bargain, but the CPS proceeded with it nonetheless. Prosecutor James Dawson informed Croydon Crown Court that the agreement spared the victims, especially Steven, the emotional toll of testifying in court. Pereira ultimately pleaded guilty to assaulting nine-year-old Lucy between January 1989 and January 1991, when he was babysitting her and inappropriately touched her during bath time. He also admitted to indecency with Steven, touching him under his underpants between July 30 and August 1, 1993. The other charges, including attempted rape, were not pursued as part of the plea deal.

For his crimes, Pereira was sentenced to 60 hours of unpaid work per offense, to be served concurrently, and was placed on the sex offenders register for five years. The day after sentencing, a senior investigating officer visited the family to offer what Paula describes as a form of “congratulations,” implying that the plea deal was a positive outcome. The officer suggested that had the case gone to full trial, Pereira might have been acquitted, especially since police believed Lucy’s evidence was stronger than Steven’s. This revelation deeply affected Steven, who felt guilt and shame, believing he had failed to secure justice for his sister.

Paula, who had known Pereira for decades as a family friend and supporter, expressed her shock and heartbreak. She recounted how Pereira had been a familiar presence in her life, often visiting her home and her family’s relatives, offering to babysit her children, and seemingly acting as a trusted friend. She was unaware of his sinister actions until Lucy confided in her last year, revealing the abuse that had taken place during the years he looked after them. The siblings’ silence persisted until their nightmares and mental health deteriorated to the point where they felt compelled to report the abuse to the police.

Reflecting on the case, Paula criticized the justice process, emphasizing her belief that victims should not be discouraged from coming forward. She referenced the Jimmy Savile scandal to highlight the importance of police integrity and victim confidence. Despite her family’s ordeal, she urges others to seek justice through proper channels, asserting that the law must be upheld. She expressed her frustration with the short decision window given to her family, feeling that it minimized their suffering and failed to respect their need for thorough consideration.

In response, police and CPS officials stated that they maintained close contact with the family throughout the process and that victims’ opinions were considered in plea negotiations. A Scotland Yard spokesperson assured that the family’s concerns were taken seriously and that ongoing discussions would continue. The CPS also clarified that they evaluate whether plea deals reflect the severity of the crimes and that victims are consulted whenever possible. However, they declined to explain why the family was given only five minutes to decide, leaving the family’s distress and sense of injustice unresolved.

Paula concluded with a powerful message, expressing her outrage and heartbreak. She questioned the morality of the legal process that allowed her children’s abuser to walk free with a relatively light sentence. Her words reflect a deep sense of betrayal and a call for greater accountability in handling cases of childhood sexual abuse, especially those involving trusted family friends and community members in Croydon.