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Commendations for team which investigated Middle Barton GHB and sexual assault case
08/07/2024
Following a trial in July 2022 Luiz Da Silvaneto was jailed for 22 years
The team at Thames Valley Police which brought to justice a man responsible for numerous counts of sexual and drug-related offences – including one at Middle Barton – have been commended for their work.
Luiz Da Silvaneto was jailed for 22 years following a trial in July 2022 which heard that he had incapacitated two men using a suspected GHB drug and sexually assaulting them. He drove one of the victims from London to a property in Middle Barton where he sexually assaulted them.
In a ceremony hosted at Thames Valley Police’s training centre in Sulhamstead, Chief Constable Jason Hogg presented officers and staff with commendations for their dedication and tenacity in the sensitive and complex investigation.
DI James Holden-White, DS Simon Pond, DC Rob Fisher, PC Elaine Stout, and Matthew Walsh were commended for their leadership, ownership, personal responsibility, and collaboration in their determination to bring Da Silvaneto to justice. James Williams and Lauren Potter were recognised for their management of communications during the investigation, court proceedings and thereafter.
Senior Investigating Officer DCI James Holden-White added: “I’m pleased that the hard work of the investigation team and my wider team has been recognised, but it was due to the bravery of the victims in this case to go through the investigation and court process that we were able to bring this dangerous predator to justice.
“The offending involved the spiking and incapacitating of men with whom Da Silvaneto subsequently engaged in sexual activity.
“A number of further reports have been received since Da Silvaneto’s conviction, but he has not been charged or convicted with any further offences.
“We are interested in speaking to anyone who may have relevant information in connection with this investigation. Especially for the period between 2018 when Da Silvaneto first occupied the cottage in Middle Barton and the Men’s football Euro Finals in June and July of 2021.”
Detective Sergeant Simon Pond commented: “This is the result of months of really hard work by officers and staff across a number of teams and departments and the Crown Prosecution Service. I feel so fortunate to have been part of this investigation and to have worked alongside such a fantastic team.
“I am also incredibly grateful for the courage and trust shown by the victims in coming forward and standing up in court to give evidence, which enabled us to secure justice for them and also prevent a dangerous offender from going on to hurt others.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam