WELLS SEXUAL PREDATOR MARIO DOVIDEO SENTENCED IN BRISTOL COURT

In a case that has shocked the community of Wells, Somerset, Mario Dovideo, a 75-year-old man, was sentenced to six years in prison after admitting to a series of disturbing sexual offenses. The court proceedings revealed a troubling history of abuse spanning over a decade, with Dovideo pleading guilty to multiple charges related to the exploitation of two young girls during the mid-1980s and early 1990s.

According to court records, Dovideo was convicted of raping his first victim when she was only 12 years old. The charges also included six counts of indecent assault and six counts of indecency with a child. Prosecutor Ian Fenny described the victim's account, emphasizing how the abuse intensified over time, becoming more frequent and severe. Fenny characterized the experience as humiliating, degrading, and painfully traumatic for the young girl, highlighting the profound impact of Dovideo’s actions.

During the court hearing, Fenny noted that after committing the rape, Dovideo displayed a disturbing lack of remorse, acting as if nothing had occurred. Witnesses reported that he would simply sit and drink coffee or smoke a cigarette following the assaults, indicating a troubling detachment from the gravity of his crimes.

Representing Dovideo, lawyer Alan Fuller, emphasized the pensioner’s fragile health, mentioning that he had previously suffered a heart attack. Fuller also pointed out that Dovideo hails from a large, respected family well known in the Wells area. Despite his reputation, Fuller expressed that Dovideo was deeply ashamed of his actions and the shame he carried was evident.

In addition to his prison sentence, Dovideo was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure intended to monitor and prevent any further offenses. The case has left a lasting impact on the local community, raising concerns about the safety of children and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from predators like Dovideo.