MAURO ERIC CATAMO DE OLIVEIRA SENTENCED IN LEICESTER FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
A man identified as Mauro Eric Catamo De Oliveira, 30, of no fixed address, was convicted at Leicester Crown Court of sexual assault and rape following a disturbing incident involving a university student.The victim, after socializing with her housemates in Leicester city centre, had invited Mauro and his friend back to their nearby flat for drinks.
Later that night, she went alone to her bedroom, where she fell into a drunken sleep.
Prosecutor Richard Thatcher explained that she was shocked and terrified when she awoke to find the defendant sexually touching her in bed, which eventually led to rape in the early hours of Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
The court heard that after being charged, Catamo De Oliveira fled the UK for Portugal but was later extradited back to face trial.
The jury found him guilty of sexual assault and rape, though he denied the charges, claiming the victim consented.
He admitted to breaching his bail by fleeing the country.
During sentencing, Judge Philip Head described the events: “The complainant and her housemates, all students, went out for a night in Leicester and, in the early hours, met you and your friend in a bar and invited you both back to their flat.
Whatever the intentions of the other women or your friend, the complainant had no sexual interest in you.” The judge continued, “She then went to her room and fell deeply asleep, likely affected by a substantial amount of alcohol.
It was understood she would sleep on the sofa in the communal area.
Despite this, you made your way uninvited into her bedroom.” He described how the victim awoke to find an unfamiliar person lying behind her, feeling “bewildered and terrified” as the defendant engaged in unprotected sex despite her resistance.
The court was told she managed to escape, locking herself in the bathroom and messaging a friend for help before the defendant fled.
Judge Head noted, “She was absolutely distraught, crying hysterically, and unable to speak for some time.
She initially believed someone else had entered the flat and later said the defendant hadn’t seemed ‘the type’ to behave this way.” Addressing the defendant’s statements, the judge mentioned, “When arrested, you claimed she was an active and consenting participant until she changed her mind.
During your evidence, you said she answered your knock completely naked.” The judge criticized Catamo De Oliveira’s attitude, describing him as “arrogant” and “convinced of his own sexual charms,” concluding, “The jury decided you sought sexual relief at her expense.
She was asleep and had given no indication or encouragement.” He further highlighted that the defendant remained in the UK for several months after the incident before fleeing to Portugal, where an European arrest warrant was issued.
The court noted that if he had agreed to return, the trial could have occurred before the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused delays.
Judge Head emphasized, “Your attempt to evade justice has caused the victim to endure this dreadful experience for years, only to have it reawakened as she was beginning to move on.” Mitigating before sentencing, James Varley stated, “He has no previous convictions.
There’s little I can say about the facts.
He was 25 at the time, went out drinking, and ended up in this situation.” The court was told he spent 120 days in custody awaiting extradition.
Mauro Eric Catamo De Oliveira was sentenced to a total of seven years and two months imprisonment.
