A delivery driver from Brighton, Nick Mesquitta, 30, has been sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting a minor and attempting to cover up his heinous act. The incident occurred on the night of September 9, 2022, when Mesquitta managed to separate the young boy from his father in Lancing and drove him to an address in Brighton.
The victim, who was under 13 at the time of the assault, was threatened with violence by Mesquitta if he reported the incident to the police. In a chilling attempt to evade forensic detection, Mesquitta used anti-bacterial wipes to clean the young boy after the assault.
Mesquitta forced the young boy to accept £30 in cash in an attempt to buy his silence and made threats of violence, claiming he knew people who could harm the boy. After returning the boy to his father, Mesquitta falsely accused the young boy of behaving sexualy and stealing £30 from him.
However, upon returning home, the young boy disclosed the assault to his parents who immediately reported it to the police. Mesquitta was arrested on September 10, 2022, and was found in breach of an existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which prohibited him from contacting or being alone with anyone under 16 years old without parental or guardian permission.
Mesquitta was charged with inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity, assault by touching and breaching his SHPO. He was remanded in custody at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on September 12, 2022.
On August 22, 2023, at Lewes Crown Court, Mesquitta received a sentence of 13 years and six months – seven and a half years in custody plus six years on extended licence.
Detective Constable Emily Hayler said: “Nick Mesquitta is a dangerous individual who poses significant harm to young people. The young boy showed incredible courage and strength throughout the investigative process and at the point of reporting the sexual assault to his parents who alerted the police immediately.
“Thanks to their swift actions and support, we were able to get Mesquitta remanded in custody and charges secured so he has remained and will remain in custody for a significant amount of time.
“Although this conviction does not undo the irreversible trauma that Mesquitta has undoubtedly caused on this young boy and their family, it provides some respite that this individual is no longer operating within our community and accessing young children whilst he serves his sentence.
“If you or someone you know is a victim of crime, please report to us online or via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”
