JOSE MARINHO SENTENCED IN GREAT YARMOUTH AND LOWESTOFT FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL OFFENCES

In a case that highlights the enduring impact of childhood abuse, 66-year-old Jose Marinho was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences committed against two young girls in the early 1990s. The offences, which took place in the coastal towns of Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, came to light many years later, leading to a thorough investigation and subsequent prosecution.

Marinho, who resided at Shadingfield Close in Lowestoft at the time of his arrest, appeared before Norwich Crown Court on Monday, 16 July, for sentencing. The conviction followed a jury's verdict on Friday, 25 May, which found him guilty of several serious charges. The case was built on the testimony of one of his victims, now an adult, who reported that she had been sexually abused by Marinho at his home address during her childhood. This revelation prompted police to launch a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.

In August 2010, authorities arrested Marinho, leading to a series of interviews and evidence collection. The police investigation revealed that Marinho had used gifts such as money, sweets, and alcohol to manipulate and groom the young girls before committing the sexual acts. During the trial, the court heard detailed accounts of how Marinho engaged in inappropriate conduct, including giving the victims gifts and alcohol prior to touching them and performing sexual acts.

Following the trial, the jury convicted Marinho on multiple counts. He was found guilty of two counts of gross indecency and one count of indecent assault against the first girl, and one count of indecent assault against the second girl. The case underscored the importance of justice for victims of historic abuse, demonstrating that such crimes can be prosecuted successfully even after many years have passed.

DC Matt Jenkins, a detective from Great Yarmouth CID who led the investigation, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He emphasized the courage of the victims who came forward and urged others who might have suffered similar abuse to do the same. Jenkins stated, “The offences date back to the early 1990s but this case demonstrates that we can investigate and successfully prosecute such cases of historic abuse. The victims of these crimes have been very brave in coming forward and we’d urge anyone who may have suffered similar abuse to find the courage to report it. Please don’t be frightened – your case will be treated in confidence and we will do all we can to put those responsible before the courts. As this shows, there can be some justice even after many years of living with the effects of the abuse.”