Rape of a child and one count of sexual assault of a child by touching.

Wiltshire Man Jailed for Sexually Abusing Two Girls

Semi Tuilovoni Lave, 31, from Tidworth, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing two girls over a number of years.

Lave was found guilty of six counts of rape of a child and one count of sexual assault of a child by touching following a four-day trial at Salisbury Crown Court.

The court heard that Lave's offending came to light in July 2020 when his young victims bravely reported the abuse to the police.

Detective Constable Claire Heathcote, from Wiltshire Police's Public Protection Department, praised the victims for their courage and resilience.

"We know how incredibly difficult it can be for victims of sexual abuse to tell someone about what has been happening to them, especially when the victims are children," said Heathcote. "Once these girls took the very brave step of reporting these horrendous crimes, we have worked hard to ensure they have been able to receive the relevant help and support they need, particularly when they had to re-live that abuse giving evidence in court due to the fact that Lave refused to admit his actions."

Heathcote added, "We welcome the verdict in this case and today's sentence and I hope it provides some reassurance to the victims that justice has now been done. I also hope it gives others the confidence to speak out if they have been the victim of similar crimes. If you don't yet feel ready to speak to the police, then please just tell someone you trust. There is help out there and you don't have to suffer in silence."