Filomeno Chapim

Filomeno Chapim, 72, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to the sexual assault of a child under 13. The court heard that Chapim grabbed the victim from behind and groped her while giggling. In a statement read to the court, the victim reported feeling angry and having suicidal thoughts as a result of the assault. Judge Richard Wright KC noted that while Chapim expressed some remorse, it appeared tied to his religious beliefs rather than an understanding of the harm caused to the child.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Chapim is required to sign the sex offender register and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for a period of 10 years. Judge Wright stated that Chapim's actions were gross and had deprived the victim of a normal teenage life.