A child rapist has been given a 29-year extended sentence for sexually abusing three young girls. Patrick Likosso was caught after a relative of one of his victims became concerned about what was going on and contacted the police.
Cardiff Crown Court heard that when police began to investigate the 45-year-old they identified two further victims of his sexual offending. Likosso was living in the Ely area of Cardiff when he arrested in August this year, and he subsequently answered "no comment" to all questions asked in interview. Police have praised the bravery of the victims and their families in supporting the investigation and said they hope the sentencing will bring some "closure".
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Patrick Likosso, of no fixed abode, had previously placed guilty to 11 counts of rape and sexual assault when he appeared in the dock for sentencing. He was given a 29-year extended sentence comprising 21 years in custody followed by an extended eight-year licence period. The defendant must serve two-thirds of the custodial element of his sentence before he can apply to be released but it will be for the Parole Board to determine if he is safe to be left out.
Speaking after the sentencing South Wales Police detective constable Rhiannon Phillips praised the bravery of Likosso's victims. She said: "The young victims and their families showed incredible strength and courage to come forward and support the investigation. Thanks to their determination and the efforts of the child protection investigation unit, Likosso has been brought to justice and is now facing significant time behind bars. We hope the sentencing brings some sense of closure to the victims and their families and allow the girls to regain their confidence and move on with their lives."
Accessing support if you've been a victim of abuse
Support for survivors of sexual abuse is available from many different charities and organisations. The following non-exhaustive list includes contact details for services that may help if you've been affected by the issues raised in this article.
Lifecentre
0808 802 0808 (freephone) 07717 989 022 (textline) lifecentre.uk.com Support for survivors of rape and sexual abuse, and anyone supporting them. Includes a helpline, text support, and email counselling.
The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)
0808 801 0331 [email protected] napac.org.uk Supports adult survivors of any form of childhood abuse. Offers a helpline, email support, and local services.
One in Four
0800 121 7114 oneinfour.org.uk Offers advocacy services, counselling, and resources for adults who have experienced trauma or domestic or sexual abuse in childhood.
Safeline
0808 800 5005 (National Male Survivor helpline) safeline.org.uk Helplines for adults and young people who have experienced sexual abuse and rape.
The Survivors Trust
0808 8010 818 thesurvivorstrust.org Lists local specialist services for survivors of sexual violence, including advocates and independent sexual violence advisers (ISVAs).
Rape Crisis England & Wales
0808 802 9999 rapecrisis.org.uk Support for women and girls affected by rape, sexual abuse, or any form of sexual violence. Provides details of local centres.
