A dangerous sexual predator has been caged for 14 years after the brazen abduction and assault of a 10-year-old girl on the streets of Westminster, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the community.
Marcio Fernandes Da Silva, 38, pounced on his young victim as she walked near her home on the evening of October 26th last year. The court heard how he callously dragged the terrified child back to his flat on Vauxhall Bridge Road while her desperate family launched a frantic search.
A Parent's Worst Nightmare
In a harrowing victim impact statement, the girl's mother described the incident as "every parent's worst nightmare". She spoke of the enduring trauma her daughter suffers, including severe anxiety, nightmares, and a profound loss of innocence.
The quick-thinking child managed to escape Da Silva's flat and raise the alarm at a nearby hotel. Metropolitan Police detectives from the Central West Public Protection Unit launched a major investigation, using CCTV footage to track the suspect's movements and swiftly identify him.
Justice Served at the Old Bailey
Appearing at the Old Bailey, Da Silva, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to charges of kidnap and sexual assault. In addition to his 14-year custodial sentence, he was handed an extended licence period of four years and placed on the sex offenders' register for life.
Detective Constable Jack Earl, the investigating officer, praised the immense bravery of the young victim, whose courage was pivotal in securing the conviction. He stated: "This was a horrific and shocking attack on a young girl who should have been safe in her local area. Da Silva is a dangerous offender, and the streets of London are safer with him behind bars."
