Wigan man who repeatedly raped a child has been jailed

Luiz Assuncao of Drummond Square, Worsley Hall, has today been sentenced at Bolton Crown Court to 13 years in prison.

The 41-year-old previously pleaded guilty to 17 counts of rape. The court heard how between April 2018 and March 2019, Assuncao raped the victim– a girl who is under the age of 13 – on 17 separate occasions. A short time after the abuse took place, the girl told her mum who contacted police.

A full investigation was launched by GMP and Assuncao was arrested shortly after.During police interview, Assuncao replied ‘no comment’ to all 166 questions put to him by detectives.

However, he pleaded guilty to all 17 counts at a hearing on April 23, 2019.Detective Sergeant Eleanor Humphreys, of GMP’s Public Protection Investigation Unit in Wigan, said: “The magnitude and severity of Assuncao’s crimes cannot and should not ever be underestimated.

"This is a man who subjected an innocent child to the most horrendous and sickening abuse and prison is absolutely where he belongs. “I would like to commend the bravery of the victim, who in coming forward has helped to take away the freedom of this dangerous and predatory offender. More than anything, I hope that this sentence brings the victim and her family some closure and they are able to move on with their lives. “This case should highlight just how seriously we take reports of this nature and our absolute commitment to seeking justice for those affected by such heinous acts. Please, if you’re struggling and need support - we are here to listen.”

Assuncao will have to sign the sex offenders’ register and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for life.