BRUNO VECE FROM EXETER SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR DECADES-OLD SEXUAL ABUSE CASES

In a significant development in the fight against historic sexual offenses, Bruno Vece, a 56-year-old man residing on Loram Way in Alphington, Exeter, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 20 years by Exeter Crown Court. The conviction stems from a series of heinous crimes committed against an underage girl during the late 1970s and the 1980s, crimes that only came to light after decades of silence and suffering.

Bruno Vece was found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault and four counts of rape, crimes that had haunted the victim for over twenty years. The court also ordered Vece to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, emphasizing the severity of his offenses. Additionally, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order was imposed on him, restricting his activities until further notice, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the ongoing risk he poses.

Detective Sergeant Zoe Taylor, who led the investigation, expressed her satisfaction that justice had finally been served. She revealed that her team dedicated over a year and a half to the case, which was initiated after the victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, courageously came forward to report the abuse. Sgt Taylor stated, “The victim has carried the burden of this trauma for more than two decades. It is only now, with the support of her family and husband, that she has found the strength to confront her past.”

She further commented on Vece’s life since the crimes, noting that he had managed to build a new life for himself, which has now been shattered by the revelations of his past actions. The defendant appeared in court dressed in a dark suit and a striped, pale shirt, maintaining an expressionless demeanor as he was led away to serve his sentence.

The jury’s unanimous verdict was based on the victim’s testimony, describing Vece as an intimidating figure who, during her childhood, threatened her with death should she disclose the abuse. The court heard that Vece’s threats and coercive tactics were used to silence the young girl, causing lasting psychological scars. In mitigation, Stephen Mooney, representing Vece, argued that the defendant was devoted to his family, who would suffer greatly from his imprisonment. He also noted that Vece had maintained a clean record since the abuse, but the past had ultimately caught up with him.

Judge Darlow addressed Vece directly, stating, “These were clearly coercive crimes, committed against a girl who was actively distressed and resisted. Your threats and intimidation had a profound psychological impact. This was not an isolated incident; it was a pattern of abuse that has left deep scars.”

Detective Sergeant Taylor praised the bravery of the victim and a key male witness who provided crucial testimony during the trial. She highlighted that their strength and resolve were instrumental in securing justice. “The trial was emotionally taxing for the victim, who had long sought to put this painful chapter behind her. Her courage in reliving these memories has been vital in ensuring that justice is served,” she said, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of such trauma.