JOSE DA COSTA SENTENCED IN JERSEY FOR CHILD INDECENT ASSAULTS
In August 2016, a man identified as Jose Da Costa was handed a significant prison sentence following his conviction for two counts of indecent assault on a child.The court proceedings revealed the gravity and cruelty of the offences, which had a profound impact on the victim.
The Royal Court described the crimes as "very serious and cruel offences which must have been terrifying for the victim," emphasizing the severity of the case.
Jose Da Costa, a 36-year-old father of three, was found guilty of tying up and blindfolding the young girl before engaging in sexual acts with her.
These offences took place over a span of several years, with the first incident occurring between June 2005 and February 2006, and the second between February 2007 and October 2008.
The court heard that Da Costa admitted to both counts of indecent assault during the proceedings, which required the assistance of a translator due to language barriers.
It was also noted that Da Costa had a prior conviction in 2008 for three offences of child cruelty.
More recently, in May of the same year, he admitted to two counts of indecent assault, further compounding his criminal record.
The court was informed that the assaults involved the victim being tied up and blindfolded using clothing, which added to the disturbing nature of the crimes.
The Attorney General, Robert MacRae, described the assaults as serious and involved the child crying afterward.
He recommended a prison sentence of at least 12 years, highlighting the need for a strong punitive response.
During the sentencing, Commissioner Sir Michael Birt acknowledged the seriousness and cruelty of the offences, stating, "The two counts in our view were very serious and cruel offences which must have been terrifying for the victim." He emphasized that the sentences should reflect society’s condemnation of such behaviour.
Ultimately, Da Costa was sentenced to a total of ten years in prison, with two concurrent sentences of nine years and four months, and ten years, respectively.
Da Costa showed no visible reaction when the sentence was announced.
In court, the case was further detailed by the Attorney General, who reiterated the violent and distressing nature of the assaults.
The court also considered mitigating factors presented by Da Costa’s defense, including the absence of grooming, threats, or inducements, and the fact that the incidents were limited in number and short in duration.
His defense argued that a sentence of five to six years would be appropriate, citing his previous good conduct, completion of community service and probation in 2008, and his clean record since relocating to Jersey from Madeira in 1998, which also allowed him to obtain a Portuguese passport.
Despite these arguments, the court decided on a harsher penalty.
Commissioner Sir Michael Birt ordered that Da Costa be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 15 years from his conviction date.
Additionally, a restraining order was imposed for 15 years, restricting his access to anyone under 16 and requiring supervision during any contact.
The court also decided, by a majority of 4-2, not to recommend deportation, considering Da Costa’s 18-year residence in Jersey and his established life on the island.
