A man who groomed a teenage girl online and coerced her into sexual activity has been jailed following a detailed investigation by Wiltshire Police.
Vitor Soares de Oliveira, 24, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court to seven years and six months in custody after admitting a series of sexual offences against a 14-year-old.
The court heard how the offences came to light only after the girl confided in a friend in June last year — a decision that ultimately led to police involvement amid concerns for her safety.
Soares de Oliveira, a Brazilian national who had been living in Surrey at the time, initially denied the charges before changing his plea on the second day of trial earlier this year. He admitted five counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of making indecent images.
As part of his sentence, he will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.
The case laid bare the calculated nature of the offending. The defendant had misled the victim about his age, leading her to believe he was 19, and travelled into Wiltshire on multiple occasions. He also supplied her with alcohol, vapes and drugs as part of the grooming process.
Temporary Detective Constable Samantha Martin, who led the investigation, described the case as both complex and deeply distressing for the victim.
“This has been a long and traumatic ordeal,” she said. “Despite everything, she has shown remarkable strength throughout.”
She added that the evidence gathered, alongside the victim’s account and witness testimony, had built a strong case which ultimately led to the guilty plea.
While the sentence brings a measure of resolution, officers are clear that the impact of such offences cannot be undone. The focus now, they say, is on ensuring continued support for the victim and encouraging others to come forward.
Wiltshire Police’s Missing and Exploitation Unit works closely with young people at risk, aiming to provide reassurance and a route to safety for those who may feel unable to speak out.
Anyone affected by sexual offences is urged to report concerns and seek support through appropriate services.
