A man who sexually abused three young boys over a period of six years has been jailed for 10 years.

Man Jailed for 10 Years for Sexually Abusing Three Boys

Claudio Sergio Da Silva, 51, of Monks Walk in East Cowes, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually abusing three young boys over a period of six years.

Da Silva began abusing his first victim in 2010 and went on to sexually assault two other boys, all under the age of 16 at the time. The abuse continued until 2016.

The boys' bravery in coming forward and reporting the abuse brought Da Silva's reign of terror to an end. Following an investigation, he was charged with six counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of sexual assault.

Da Silva denied the offences, but was convicted by a jury at Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday, February 7th. He appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Tuesday, February 11th, where His Honour Judge Melville QC sentenced him to 10 years in prison, describing the abuse as "systematic". Da Silva was also handed an unlimited Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

PSI Claire Linton, from Isle of Wight CID, praised the victims' courage: "I cannot emphasize enough the strength and bravery of these young boys. It is down to them that this dangerous sex offender has been taken off the streets." She encouraged anyone who has been a victim of this type of crime to come forward: "We understand this can be a really difficult thing to do, but I hope the verdicts of the jury and the sentencing are reassurance that we take these allegations seriously and you will be listened to."