“It is hard to understand how one person could have such an impact.” These are the words of the woman who was sexually abused as a child by a paedophile who lived in an area of Ealing. Sex attacker Caetano Mauricio Vas was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Thursday (June 5) for the horrendous abuse he carried out.
Vas, formerly of Lady Margaret Road in Southall, was found guilty by a jury of four counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, one count of inciting a girl under the age of 13 into sexual activity and one count of sexual assault. Now he’s locked up behind bars, the survivor has spoken out and explained how she knew Vas ‘wasn’t going to admit what he did’ so she prepared herself to give evidence in the trial.
Vas sexually abused the woman when she was a young girl, massively impacting all aspects of her life and leaving her feeling suicidal. He instilled fear in her by claiming he’d release inappropriate photographs of her if she told anyone about his vile abuse.
‘I hope that I am becoming stronger’
She bravely broke her silence and the case went to trial. During this, she recalled her traumatic abuse to a jury who found the defendant guilty on March 17.
In a statement read to the court, the victim said: “It is hard to understand how one person could have such an impact. His actions have affected me in so many ways, which I have to cope with daily and I will probably have to cope with for the rest of my life.
“I always knew Mauricio wasn’t going to admit what he did. I was always prepared to give evidence. I was nervous but I hope that I am becoming stronger, even though at times I feel so weak.
“Mauricio ruined my childhood. Even though I am an adult now, I still feel like I want that childhood that I missed out on. No matter what happens to Mauricio now, I will never get all those years back that I lost because of what happened.”
Victim showed ‘immense courage’
Detective Constable Chloe Smith supported the victim from when she first reported the abuse up to the day Vas was sentenced. DC Smith said: “I would like to commend the victim for her immense courage and patience throughout the process of bringing Vas to justice.
“Child predators like Vas have no place in our society and we will do our utmost to deal with them robustly while supporting the victims who are left with life-long trauma as a result of their heinous actions.”
If you have been sexually abused, or know someone who has, please report it to police by calling 999.
You don’t have to suffer in silence if you’re struggling with your mental health. Here are some groups you can contact when you need help.
Samaritans: Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email [email protected] in confidence
Childline: Phone 0800 1111. Calls are free and won’t show up on your bill
PAPYRUS: For teens and young adults. Phone 0800 068 4141
Depression Alliance: The charity offers useful resources for people struggling.
Students Against Depression: For students who are depressed, have low mood, or are suicidal.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Phone 0800 58 58 58. For young men who are feeling unhappy.
James’ Place: Offering life-saving treatment to suicidal men in London and surrounding area.
For information on your local NHS urgent mental health helpline, visit here
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