CAETANO MAURICIO VAS SHAMES SWINDON WITH HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

Caetano Mauricio Vas, a man previously residing on Lady Margaret Road in Southhall, appeared before Swindon Crown Court on Thursday, June 5, to face a series of grave criminal charges. The court proceedings revealed that Vas was accused of committing multiple heinous acts against a young girl, beginning when she was only eight years old. The charges included four counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual acts, and a single count of sexual assault. These offences spanned a period from 2014 to 2016, during which Vas exploited the innocence and vulnerability of the young victim.

During the trial, the court heard disturbing details about Vas’s manipulative tactics. He would wait for moments when he was alone with the girl, taking advantage of her trust and innocence. To normalize his abusive behavior, Vas falsely told her that the acts he was performing were things her future husband would do, attempting to desensitize her and make her accept the abuse as normal. Furthermore, he threatened to share indecent photographs of her with others if she dared to disclose what was happening. These threats and manipulations created an environment of fear and silence for the young girl, who was too scared to confide in anyone at the time.

It was only in 2021 that the victim, now an adult, found the strength to break her silence and report the crimes. Vas, who was 52 years old at the time of his trial, denied all the charges brought against him. However, after a thorough trial, the jury found him guilty of all counts. The court subsequently sentenced Vas to a lengthy term of 25 years in prison, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Townsend described the case as involving “a vulnerable young girl who you had groomed over a period of three to four years when she was between eight and 11.” The judge emphasized the calculated and sustained nature of Vas’s offending, highlighting the significant and lasting impact on the victim. He stated that Vas poses “a danger to society and particularly to children,” underscoring the gravity of his actions.

It was noted that Vas appeared via video link during the court proceedings. The victim, who is supported by CAMHS and has chosen to remain anonymous, shared her heartbreaking account, stating that Vas “ruined my childhood.” She expressed that she still feels deprived of her childhood years, describing her feelings as confused and scared. She recounted how Vas threatened to show indecent photos of her to her family, which prevented her from confiding in teachers or other trusted adults. The trauma has left her with ongoing struggles, including multiple self-harm attempts and difficulties in social interactions.

The judge acknowledged the profound and long-lasting trauma inflicted upon the victim. Despite her bravery in coming forward, she will carry the emotional scars for the rest of her life. Prior to sentencing, Vas was held in custody, and social services imposed a ban on him seeing his two children, a restriction that will remain throughout his 25-year imprisonment. Additionally, Vas will be subject to a lifelong restraining order, a sexual harm prevention order, and ordered to pay a surcharge to compensate his victims. The police investigation was notably supported from the outset by Detective Constable Chloe Smith, who praised the victim’s courage and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to combating child exploitation and supporting victims of such heinous crimes.