Locations
Originally from Mozambique and visiting the country from Portugal.
Description
Man has been jailed for serious sexual offences against a woman in Southport.
Klintis Duarta, 28, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Wednesday 16 September) after admitting attempted rape and sexual assault. He was jailed for six years and eight months and will serve a further four years on licence.
Duarta, who is originally from Mozambique and visiting the country from Portugal, followed a woman into a block of flats on Sunday 21 June 2025 and committed the offences in the communal hallway.
He was arrested at Liverpool John Lennon Airport the following day after attempting to leave the country.
In a Victim Personal Statement, the woman said:
“I have previously suffered with nightmares anyway however since the incident I often have nightmares about the incident whereby I find I wake up feeling panicked with a sense of anxiety that last for hours. Since the incident I now take extra caution and care when entering any building.
"I ensure that I have checked the area first before opening the door and making sure that this has closed behind me and no one else has come through. I am aware that these things happen however you don't usually believe that it would be on your doorstep let alone happen to yourself.”
Detective Superintendent Siobhan Russell said:
“This was a relentless and sustained assault on a woman who was simply going about her day and visiting a friend. To be targeted in this manner by a complete stranger is utterly appalling.
“I want the public to be reassured that these incidents are rare. I also hope this sentencing shows how seriously the courts take these offences and how Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting anyone who has been subjected to such violence and sexual abuse.
“The victim has showed immense courage throughout. She managed to fight off Duarta during the incident and then went on to support the prosecution. As she detailed in her VPS, this has clearly had a huge impact on her life and I sincerely hope she can recover from what happened.
“Following the incident, we were absolutely determined to find the person responsible and carried out a thorough investigation that thankfully led to him being detained at the airport the following day.
“We take these reports extremely seriously and if you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, I urge you to please come forward and report this to police.”