RICARDO ALLEMO SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN MIDSOMER NORTON AND RADSTOCK

In a significant case highlighting the ongoing fight against child sexual abuse, Ricardo Allemo, also known as Donald Twidale, was sentenced to a total of 14 years in prison this week after being found guilty of multiple heinous offences committed against a young girl in Radstock during the 1990s. The conviction comes after a lengthy investigation and a trial at Bristol Crown Court, which revealed the disturbing details of the abuse that spanned several years.

Police authorities, particularly Detective Nicholas Scane of Avon and Somerset police, played a crucial role in bringing this case to justice. Detective Scane, who dedicated 18 months to meticulously researching and gathering evidence from various sources, was commended by Judge Michael Longman for his diligent work. During a statement, Mr. Scane emphasized the importance of addressing historical allegations of sexual abuse, encouraging victims to come forward regardless of how much time has passed. He expressed hope that the conviction would serve as a message to other victims that their voices matter and that justice can still be achieved.

The court proceedings uncovered that Allemo, who was previously sentenced to nine years in prison in 1997 for similar offences committed in the 1970s while residing in Midsomer Norton, had continued his pattern of abuse into the 1990s. The victim, now in her twenties, testified that she was repeatedly raped and assaulted by Allemo during visits to his home from the age of seven until she was eleven. The court heard how he exploited her vulnerability, offering what appeared to be kindness and friendship in exchange for her silence and compliance over many years.

Judge Longman described the victim as a vulnerable child who lacked support from family or friends, making her an easy target for Allemo’s predatory behavior. The judge pointed out that Allemo, who had remarried and relocated to Scotland after his earlier imprisonment, maintained a facade of a respectable life with his wife and children while secretly carrying out these sinister acts. The judge emphasized that the victim had to live with the burden of her secret for many years until she finally found the courage to disclose the abuse.

As a result of his conviction, Allemo was sentenced to 14 years for the rape charges, with additional sentences of five and four years for other sexual offences, all to be served concurrently. Furthermore, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order was imposed, prohibiting Allemo from having any contact with children upon his release from prison. This case underscores the importance of perseverance in seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time, and highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable individuals from predators.