CLEVIO BORGES FROM TUNBRIDGE WELLS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILD
In November 2017, a tragic case unfolded in Maidstone Crown Court involving the sexual abuse of a young girl by Clevio Borges, a man residing in Tunbridge Wells.The court heard harrowing details of the abuse, which left a lasting impact on the victim and drew a strong judicial response.
During the trial, the victim, who demonstrated remarkable bravery, took the stand to give evidence against Borges.
Despite her courage, Borges, aged 40 and living on Nursery Road in High Brooms, Tunbridge Wells, attempted to dismiss her testimony by calling her a liar.
His attitude and denial did not sway the court, which was presented with overwhelming evidence of his guilt.
Judge Martin Joy, presiding over the case, did not hold back in his condemnation of Borges.
He acknowledged Borges’ background, noting that he had served in the military in Brazil, but emphasized that this did not mitigate his criminal actions.
The judge described the victim as “a brave young lady” and praised her for confronting her abuser directly in court, giving her testimony without any barrier or screening from the dock.
The court was told that Borges had engaged in inappropriate physical contact with the girl, groping her breasts, legs, and bottom.
The situation escalated further, with Borges molesting her in a manner that caused her to cry and feel angry.
The victim’s account painted a disturbing picture of ongoing abuse, which Borges attempted to deny and cover up by calling her a liar.
The judge noted that Borges’s actions had escalated from initial groping to more serious molestation, highlighting the severity of his misconduct.
During the proceedings, Tom Stern, Borges’ defense lawyer, read a letter from Borges’ mother, who expressed her pride in her son and described him as a good man who had not committed any crimes.
However, the court was unimpressed with this character reference, focusing instead on the evidence and the impact on the victim.
Judge Joy sentenced Borges to five years in prison, emphasizing the importance of protecting young victims from such heinous acts.
He described the victim as “an extremely impressive young woman” and acknowledged the profound psychological damage caused by Borges’s actions.
The judge condemned Borges for putting the girl through a trial by denying her allegations and attempting to discredit her.
In addition to the prison sentence, Borges will be required to register on the sex offenders’ register, and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order was issued against him.
The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the crimes and the need to safeguard the community from individuals who commit such offenses, especially those involving vulnerable children in Tunbridge Wells and beyond.
