FRANCISCO REGO

MAN SENTENCED FOR ASSAULTING A TEENAGE GIRL IN EALING STORE

A man identified as Francisco Rego has been convicted of a serious sexual offense involving a 15-year-old girl.

The incident occurred inside a Boots store in Ealing Broadway, where Rego approached the girl while her mother was present.

Court proceedings revealed that on December 27, Rego had been staring at the girl and was seen with his penis in his hand, exposing the head of his penis, and thrusting his hips towards her, brushing against her back.

The court heard CCTV footage which showed Rego rushing towards the girl and thrusting into her back.

The victim reported feeling 'scared, insecure and unsafe' following the attack, which also affected her attendance at school.

Witnesses described the attack as brazen, happening in daylight and in a public place.

Rego was detained after the incident, initially saying 'I’m sorry,' but later denying the actions to police, claiming his zipper had come down accidentally.

He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and notification order for 10 years.

The judge, Karen Holt, highlighted that Rego's behavior was aggravated by the vulnerability of his victim and that there was a level of planning involved.

Despite the gravity of the offense, Rego was spared immediate jail time owing to the time served and the potential for rehabilitation.

The court sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with requirements including a 30-day rehabilitation activity, participation in the Horizon program for 30 sessions, and 80 hours of unpaid work.

Rego, who is married with two children and had previously exhibited good character, was visibly distressed during sentencing.

The incident and court proceedings have left witnesses shaken, with the victim and witnesses describing lasting emotional impacts.