JOAO DE SOUSA FROM CIRENCESTER ESCAPES PRISON AFTER GROPING TEENAGE GIRL AND GIFTING SEX TOY
| Red Rose Database
Cirencester Child Sexual Abuser
In November 2014, a disturbing case unfolded in Cirencester involving Joao de Sousa, a man who was accused of repeatedly engaging in inappropriate and sexualized conduct towards a teenage girl. The incident, which drew significant attention in the local community, culminated in a court hearing at Gloucester Crown Court where de Sousa faced serious charges related to his misconduct.
Joao de Sousa, a 42-year-old man originally from Portugal, resided on St Michael's Road in Cirencester at the time of the offenses. The court heard that over a period spanning from May 2011 to June 2012, when the girl was just 13 years old, de Sousa engaged in a series of inappropriate physical contacts. These acts included touching her in a sexual manner, both over and under her clothing, whenever he had the opportunity. The girl, who was only 13 at the time, recounted that de Sousa would often touch her during visits, despite her discomfort and concern about his behavior.
Further allegations revealed that de Sousa's misconduct extended into her 14th year, with the man being convicted of five separate counts of sexual activity with the girl during this period. The court also heard that he bought her a sex toy as a gift for her 14th birthday, an act that added to the severity of his inappropriate conduct. The victim described how de Sousa made various inappropriate remarks towards her, which compounded the distress caused by his actions.
De Sousa maintained his innocence throughout the trial, denying the charges. However, after a trial last month, a jury found him guilty of all ten counts—five from when the girl was 13 and five from when she was 14. The court was presented with evidence, including a statement from the victim, which detailed the ongoing nature of de Sousa's inappropriate behavior and the emotional impact it had on her.
During sentencing, Judge William Hart acknowledged the serious and damaging effects of de Sousa's actions on the young girl. He expressed that the assaults had undoubtedly caused significant harm and emotional trauma. Despite the gravity of the offenses, Judge Hart admitted that the decision to impose immediate imprisonment was not straightforward. He explained that, generally, when uncertain about whether to jail someone or suspend the sentence, the court tends to lean towards suspension. However, in de Sousa's case, the judge was persuaded that a custodial sentence was not necessary at this time.
As part of his sentence, de Sousa was given an 18-month prison term, suspended for two years, with a requirement for supervision for one year. Additionally, he was subjected to a 20-week curfew from 10 pm to 6 am, ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community work, and was issued a sexual offences prevention order. The court also ordered him to pay £500 in costs.
De Sousa's legal representative, Nicholas Syfret QC, argued that the seriousness of the offenses did not warrant immediate custody. He presented four references, including one from de Sousa's daughter, highlighting his character. Mr. Syfret described de Sousa as a
Joao de Sousa, a 42-year-old man originally from Portugal, resided on St Michael's Road in Cirencester at the time of the offenses. The court heard that over a period spanning from May 2011 to June 2012, when the girl was just 13 years old, de Sousa engaged in a series of inappropriate physical contacts. These acts included touching her in a sexual manner, both over and under her clothing, whenever he had the opportunity. The girl, who was only 13 at the time, recounted that de Sousa would often touch her during visits, despite her discomfort and concern about his behavior.
Further allegations revealed that de Sousa's misconduct extended into her 14th year, with the man being convicted of five separate counts of sexual activity with the girl during this period. The court also heard that he bought her a sex toy as a gift for her 14th birthday, an act that added to the severity of his inappropriate conduct. The victim described how de Sousa made various inappropriate remarks towards her, which compounded the distress caused by his actions.
De Sousa maintained his innocence throughout the trial, denying the charges. However, after a trial last month, a jury found him guilty of all ten counts—five from when the girl was 13 and five from when she was 14. The court was presented with evidence, including a statement from the victim, which detailed the ongoing nature of de Sousa's inappropriate behavior and the emotional impact it had on her.
During sentencing, Judge William Hart acknowledged the serious and damaging effects of de Sousa's actions on the young girl. He expressed that the assaults had undoubtedly caused significant harm and emotional trauma. Despite the gravity of the offenses, Judge Hart admitted that the decision to impose immediate imprisonment was not straightforward. He explained that, generally, when uncertain about whether to jail someone or suspend the sentence, the court tends to lean towards suspension. However, in de Sousa's case, the judge was persuaded that a custodial sentence was not necessary at this time.
As part of his sentence, de Sousa was given an 18-month prison term, suspended for two years, with a requirement for supervision for one year. Additionally, he was subjected to a 20-week curfew from 10 pm to 6 am, ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community work, and was issued a sexual offences prevention order. The court also ordered him to pay £500 in costs.
De Sousa's legal representative, Nicholas Syfret QC, argued that the seriousness of the offenses did not warrant immediate custody. He presented four references, including one from de Sousa's daughter, highlighting his character. Mr. Syfret described de Sousa as a