Man jailed for rape in Liverpool city centre bar

A man has been jailed for three years for the rape of a woman in a bar in Liverpool city centre in September this year.

Nunes Da Silva, 27, of Frederick North Lane, Dublin was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Friday 22 October.

The sentence follows an investigation into the rape of a woman in her 20s at the Black Rabbit Bar on 17 September 2021.

Officers attended the scene and arrested Da Silva, who had been detained by friends of the victim outside the bar.

He was later charged, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today to three years in prison, and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Inspector Lisa Milligan from Merseyside Police’s Unity team, the specialist rape and serious assault unit, said: “This was a truly shocking incident. Da Silva acted with complete disregard for the emotional impact his actions will have, and the psychological pain he has caused his victim will last a long time.

“I would like to praise those bystanders who intervened, and in particular the victim for the immense bravery and courage she has shown, both for speaking to us to report the crime, and for her strength throughout the investigation and court process.

“I am grateful for the work of our investigating officers who ensured a swift resolution in this case, which means the court process was not prolonged for the victim.

“I hope today’s outcome will not only provide the victim with some comfort, but encourage other victims to come forward and have the confidence in us as a police force to take reports seriously and ultimately to ensure offenders are put before the courts.”

Det Insp Milligan added: “Rape is a horrendous crime that can have a devastating effect on victims for the rest of their lives, and there is no doubt this has and will have a significant impact on this young woman. She will now have to live with this for her life.

"If you have been the victim of any sexual assault, there is help and support available to you. Here at Merseyside Police we have specially trained officers who will listen to you and treat you with sensitivity and compassion. There are also a number of reliable and trusted organisations and charities who will support you from your initial report, right through the court process and beyond.

Anyone with information or wants to report a sexual offence is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801. In an emergency, always call 999.