Locations
Robert Keen Close, Southwark, London, SE15
Description
A man who sexually abused a young child in Southampton has been jailed for eight years.
Juan Francisco De La Cruz, 59, assaulted a girl – who was under the age of 13 – at a property in Southampton on multiple occasions in 2022.
De La Cruz, of Robert Keen Close, Southwark, London, was convicted following a trial at Winchester Crown Court of two counts of assault by touching, and one of assaulting of a girl by penetration.
Appearing at the same court last Thursday (5 February), he was jailed for eight years.
He will also be subject to an indefinite restraining order and sexual harm prevention order.
DC Katharine Mumford, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, who led the investigation, said:
“De La Cruz is a depraved and predatory offender who targeted a vulnerable child. No sentence can erase the impact of his actions, but I hope today’s result offers the victim and their family some sense of justice.
“I want to recognise the immense bravery shown by the young victim in coming forward and speaking about what happened. Their courage has been central to securing this conviction.
“Our team is dedicated to protecting children, pursuing offenders, and supporting families through what is often an incredibly painful process. We will always work tirelessly to ensure those who commit these appalling offences and harm children are brought before the courts.”