MICK DA SILVA, ATHERSTONE TOWN CRIER, JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN WARWICKSHIRE

In a shocking case that has rocked the community of Atherstone, Mick Da Silva, a well-known figure as the town crier and a former long-serving school crossing warden, has been sentenced to three years in prison for the sexual abuse of two young girls. The 66-year-old resident of Queens Road, Atherstone, appeared before Warwick Crown Court to face multiple serious charges, which included five counts of indecently assaulting a girl aged between 14 and 15, as well as one count of gross indecency. Additionally, he admitted to sexually abusing another girl of the same age, bringing to light a disturbing pattern of misconduct spanning several years.

Prosecutor Vicki Lofrese outlined the details of the case, revealing that the offences began in 1986. She explained that acts of gross indecency were committed repeatedly over a period of two years. The abuse was eventually halted when the victim’s mother discovered Da Silva touching her daughter’s breasts. The emotional and psychological toll on the victim was significant; she later suffered from depression, engaged in self-harm, and even attempted an overdose during her teenage years. Despite the long duration of the abuse, she only reported the incidents to authorities earlier this year.

The court also heard that Da Silva sexually assaulted another 14-year-old girl by caressing her breasts during a visit to his home. During police interviews, Da Silva made admissions but tended to minimize the extent of his actions and attempted to shift some blame onto the victims. The seriousness of his offences was underscored by the judge, Recorder Michael Stephens, who ordered Da Silva to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. However, he chose not to impose a ban on Da Silva working with children, citing concerns that the extensive publicity surrounding the case would prevent him from gaining such employment again.

In his defense, Sara Pratt highlighted the contrast between Da Silva’s public persona and his actions, emphasizing that many in the community held him in high regard. She pointed out that he had been a respected figure who contributed positively to society and that he had suffered a significant loss of reputation and public humiliation. Pratt also noted that Da Silva’s wife, who is in poor health, remained supportive of him despite the allegations.

Judge Stephens addressed Da Silva directly before sentencing, acknowledging his prominent personality in Atherstone but emphasizing the gravity of the crimes. The judge explained that the offences were so serious that they could not be overlooked. While he did not impose a ban on Da Silva working with children, he expressed doubt that Da Silva would have the opportunity to do so in light of the publicity and the nature of his convictions. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the crimes committed and the community’s need for justice and protection from such misconduct.