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Man convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting two men in Middle Barton
01/07/2022
Victims drinks were laced with drug so he could sexually assault them
A man has been convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting two men in Middle Barton. Thirty-six-year-old Luiz Inacio Da Silvaneto was found guilty of using so-called date rape drugs, rape and causing a male aged 13 or over to engage in a penetrative sexual activity without consent.
The verdict on Da Silvaneto, of Riverlight Quay, Wandsworth, London, was given following a trial at Oxford Crown Court.
On 10 November 2021, the first victim, a man was with Da Silvaneto at a property in Middle Barton. After they both consumed alcoholic drinks the victim started to feel tired and lost consciousness. He later woke up to find Da Silvaneto sexually assaulting him. However, the victim couldn’t move his limbs due the effects of drugs that Da Silvaneto had put in the drinks which the victim had consumed.
A month later, on 10 December 2021, Da Silvaneto targeted his second victim – another man who was enjoying a night out at a bar in Chelsea, London. When the victim left the bar he tried to organise a taxi and encountered Da Silvaneto who was driving in the area.
The victim says he can’t remember any further details about the rest of the evening, other than being forced to consume a short drink. When he woke up the next day he was in an unknown property and had been drugged and raped by Da Silvaneto. Thames Valley Police later established that this was the same property in Middle Barton where the first victim was sexually assaulted.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Da Silvaneto had spent the earlier part of the evening of 10 December 2021, approaching males in public toilets and attempting to engage with them.
Evidence was also presented to the court by the prosecution of Da Silvaneto’s possession, use and knowledge of the effects of Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), substances. In appropriate dosages these can anesthetise, incapacitate or effect the consumer’s ability to recall events without necessarily immobilising them completely.
A majority jury found Da Silvaneto guilty of two counts of administering a substance with intent to stupefy / overpower to allow sexual activity, one count of rape and two counts of causing a male 13 or over to engage in a penetrative sexual activity without consent.
Investigating officer, Detective Inspector James Holden-White said: “Luiz Inacio Da Silvaneto is a sexual predator and a very dangerous man.
“Da Silvaneto used what presents as a well-practiced modus operandi; targeting men, administering a substance to incapacitate and overpower his chosen victim, and then engaging in sexual activity with them, knowing they are not in a position to consent.
“GHB, derivatives and closely related compounds, known as GHBRS, are extremely dangerous as there are very fine margins between what might be considered a recreational dose, a dose which could incapacitate and a fatal dose.
“GHBRS can present as a colourless and odourless liquid which is difficult to identify, and even small quantities, capable of incapacitating a person, can be easily hidden in a conventional drink.
“The human body breaks down and excretes GHBRS very rapidly and small quantities of GHB naturally present in the body anyway, so it can be difficult for law enforcement agencies and health services to prove an excessive dose has been consumed.
“Due to the health risks identified through the use of GHBRS and its use for criminal purposes, GHBRS were reclassified as Class B controlled Drugs from the 13 April 2022 by the Misuse of Drugs Act.
“Da Silvaneto deliberately targeted heterosexual men whom he believed would be especially unlikely to report the offences to police, but he was wrong.
“I would like to praise the victims for their bravery throughout the ordeal they have suffered and thank them for overcoming the anguish and embarrassment they have been caused to take an extremely dangerous man off the streets and protect others from the risk he presents. Society is certainly a much safer place with Da Silvaneto behind bars.
“We are keeping an open mind as to the possibility that Da Silvaneto has committed other offences.
“Therefore, if you have any information please contact the police or one of our partners using the reference ‘Op Jion’.
“We have dedicated officers who are specialised in investigating sexual offences.
“We will listen, investigate appropriately and help victims to access any support services tailored to their needs.
“Please be reassured that the identity of any victims will be protected.
“The easiest way to contact the police is by making a report online or call 101. You can also report anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.
“We are also working with the charity, the Survivors Trust, who can be contacted by calling 08088 010818 or visiting its website at www.thesurvivorstrust.org.“
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam