MAN JAILED FOR 21 YEARS OVER ATTACK ON GIRLFRIEND
Sezwin Crasto, aged 23, received a conviction for attempted murder following an assault on a woman at his residence in Swindon on 21 March 2022.Her injuries were severe enough to necessitate a four-hour surgical procedure to preserve her life.
At Bristol Crown Court on 27 July, the presiding judge stated that Crasto had acted out of an "ungovernable rage".
Crasto had pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, but was found guilty of attempted murder by a jury voting 11 to one.
The victim now endures permanent facial scarring, including a notable deep diagonal wound, along with voice alterations.
A medical team involved in her treatment indicated that Crasto likely used a "sawing" motion when inflicting her injuries.
The four-day court hearing revealed that Crasto and the woman first met at college in 2019 and started a romantic relationship in 2021.
As her university studies progressed and she moved out of home, Crasto’s jealousy and controlling behavior increased.
He would often visit her unannounced at her student accommodation after disagreements and would monitor her social media accounts.
There were two incidents of assault one slap and one bite triggered by disputes over male friends on social media.
On the day of the assault, she attempted to end things face-to-face because Crasto refused to accept that their relationship was over, despite her efforts through calls and texts.
He accused her friends of destroying their relationship.
When she tried to leave, he pushed her to the ground and attacked her with a knife.
She recalled raising her hands pleading with him because she couldn’t speak.
Crasto’s father intervened to pull him away and made him contact emergency services.
Sentenced to 21 years in prison, Judge William Hart commented that Crasto’s rage was uncontrollable and his actions lacked logical reasoning.
He noted that the vicious wounds to her face appeared deliberately inflicted either to disfigure her, make her less desirable, or punish her.
The judge also emphasized that Crasto deliberately used the weapon on her throat, with intent to kill, as confirmed by the jury.
Crasto is required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence in detention.
Crasto’s defense lawyer, David Maunder, mentioned that his client had a history of depression and that the incident stirred controversy within their Goan community.
He explained that Crasto faced significant pressure to secure employment and stable accommodation both in the UK and Goa, which was associated with hopes for a long-term relationship.
Maunder pointed out that the differing life opportunities with the victim created tension and conflict for Crasto.
Wiltshire Police’s Detective Constable Victoria Barker praised the woman’s resilience.
"Aside from the physical injuries, there has also been an understandable and significant mental impact on her," she said.
"She has shown incredible bravery in assisting us in our investigation, and I want to pay tribute to her."
