BRAZILIAN OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE IN EGHAM
Sex offender Murilo Lopez Dacosta of Caddy Close, Egham, was sentenced to an extended 20-year jail term for an attempted rape attack that was described as 'appalling' by the judge.The attack occurred during the early hours of January 15 on Rusham Road, Egham, where Dacosta, a 27-year-old Brazilian-born man, tried to assault a woman at knifepoint.
The victim, who was returning home from Egham Station and cannot be identified for legal reasons, fought bravely to defend herself, managing to grab the knife Dacosta was holding.
She also punched and banged his head on the ground before he fled the scene after being disturbed by a passerby alerted by her screams.
Dacosta was charged with attempted rape, threatening to kill, and possessing an offensive weapon in public.
He pleaded guilty to these charges.
He was sentenced on June 21 at Guildford Crown Court to 15 years in prison with an additional five years on license, and he must serve at least 10 years before being considered for release.
The court and the judge noted that this was a 'one off' incident but also acknowledged Dacosta was considered a significant risk to the public.
The judge, Christopher Critchlow, decided not to reduce the extended sentence after reviewing the case under the 'slip rule', which allows changes within 28 days if errors are identified.
The judge also indicated the possibility of deportation back to Brazil or Trinidad & Tobago, reflecting the fact Dacosta is not a native of Britain.
