Two men who helped their father flee the UK to avoid a child sex offences conviction have walked free from court with suspended sentences.

Anthony Sousa, 32, of Sutton Street, Shadwell, and Jorge Sandoval, 29, of New Cross Road, south-east London, were convicted of perverting the course of justice after assisting their father, 58-year-old Gualberto Santos, in escaping the country.

Santos, a convicted sex offender, was found guilty in his absence in October 2023 of sending sexual messages to someone he believed to be a 12-year-old girl and attempting to meet her. He fled before the verdict was delivered and is believed to be hiding in Portugal. If arrested, he faces serving a four-year prison sentence.

The Escape Plan
On 31 October 2023, as his trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court neared its conclusion, Santos enlisted the help of his sons. Sousa purchased a ticket for his father to travel to France, while both brothers met him at London Victoria station to see him off. Sandoval also supplied Santos with a rucksack for the journey.

Prosecutor Jonathan Wright told the court:

“There has been no return of Santos Snr and I see no evidence of efforts by the family to request and persuade him to come back to the country.”

‘Out of Love for Their Father’
Defence counsel Abigail Penny said Santos’ wife had pleaded with him to return, but he refused — even as his sons were remanded in custody awaiting sentence.
“These offences were clearly committed out of love for their father,” she told the court.

Judge Ross Cohen accepted the brothers’ actions were driven by loyalty rather than malice:

“I accept that you are both remorseful and were let down terribly by your father.”

Sousa and Sandoval were each handed 20-month prison sentences, suspended for two years. They must also complete 80 hours of unpaid work.

Fugitive Still at Large
Santos remains wanted by police. Authorities believe he is most likely in Portugal and have urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.