A 19-YEAR-OLD man has been found guilty of sexual offences against a girl when she was of primary-school age.
Jose Guilherme Vieira Da Costa was convicted yesterday following a two-day trial in the Magistrate’s Court this week.
He kissed the girl and attempted to force her to perform a sex act when she was six years old, and touched her indecently when she was aged 11.
He was 12 at the time of the first offence and 16 at the time of the second, the court was told.
The offences came to light after the victim told a teacher about the assaults. The teacher then contacted the States police.
Da Costa denied both the allegations, but was found guilty of procuring acts of gross indecency with a child and an unlawful sexual act between children.
Delivering her verdict, the Magistrate, Bridget Shaw, said there were rarely any eye-witnesses to sexual offences, but added: “I am satisfied that the victim was a compelling witness who told the truth.”
After the trial, Detective Constable Charles Vibert said: “We are committed to investigating and prosecuting all sexual offenders, and want to assure victims that there are a number of agencies that are in a position to offer support and guidance through all stages of the criminal-justice process. We hope that today’s verdict gives the victim some form of closure.”
Da Costa was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced in the Magistrate’s Court on 14 December.
