East Timor man jailed for sexually abusing child in Winsford

A man from East Timor who groomed and sexually abused a child in Winsford has been jailed.

Tomas Sarmento appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today, Friday 13th March, where he was sentenced to 17 years in prison.

The 43-year-old of the Winsford area, was previously found guilty of rape of a girl under 13 and causing a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, following an eight day trial at Liverpool Crown Court which concluded on Wednesday 21st January.

During the trial, the court heard how Sarmento groomed and sexually abused the victim between 2022 and 2023, starting when the girl was just 8 years old.

Sarmento would lure the victim to his home under the pretence that she could use his Wi-Fi. Once the victim was inside the address, he would sexually abuse her.

The victim later bravely confided in a friend about what Sarmento had done to her, and the abuse was subsequently reported to police.

Following the reports an investigation was launched by detectives and Sarmento was questioned in relation to the allegations, where he denied any wrongdoing.

Despite his denial, he was charged with the offences.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Ann Muldowney, who led the investigation, said:

“Sarmento is a dangerous predator, who is yet to show any remorse for the sexual abuse he forced a vulnerable child to endure.

“He deliberately abused his position as a trusted adult to isolate and manipulate the victim in order to subject her to obscene acts of sexual violence, and I welcome today’s sentence, which ensures he can no longer pose a risk to other innocent children.”

In addition to his sentence, Sarmento was also handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ register for 10 years.

DC Muldowney added: 

“I commend the victim in this case, for the courage she has shown throughout the entirety of this investigation, despite having to relive her trauma during a trial, is truly remarkable.

“It is thanks to her exceptional strength and bravery that we were able to gather the evidence needed to bring this case before the courts and ensure Sarmento will never again have the opportunity to harm another child.

“I’d also like to thank the prosecution team for their efforts in securing justice for the victim and her family, and I hope today’s outcome provides them with some sense of closure as they continue to rebuild and move forward with their lives.”

Cheshire Constabulary remains committed to protecting children and ensuring that those who pose a risk to them are identified, investigated, and brought before the courts.

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, or knows someone who has, is asked to contact us via: 

www.cheshire.police/tell-us 

...or call 101.

Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on:

0800 555 111

Pictured - Tomas Sarmento from Winsford.