Elliott Da Silva from Newbury is jailed after ruining lives of local people

A MAN who left a trail of broken lives in his violent wake is beginning a lengthy jail term.

A Newbury businesswoman had to close her dream shop, another woman lost both her her home and job, while a third is living with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of his psychotic hate campaign.

In the dock for sentencing at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, July 30, was the common architect of their misery – Elliott Da Silva.

Many of his recent offences were committed while he was out on licence, having been released early from prison, and experiencing drug-induced psychosis, the court heard.

Alexandra Boshell, prosecuting, said the 30-year-old, who had been living in Kingman Way, Newbury, and formerly Wordsworth Road, Thatcham, burgled a yarn and craft shop in Inch’s Yard, Newbury.

The owner, identified only as Mrs Dance, said in a victim impact statement: “I decided to close my business… it had always been a dream of mine [but] I felt vulnerable in my shop.”

Da Silva also tormented his former partner, Amy Wade, banging repeatedly on her door and leaving menacing voice messages.

In one, played to the court, Da Silva spouted vile abuse and threats towards her and her children for a full three minutes.

Ms Wade said in a victim impact statement that she suffers from PTSD as a result of the relentless hate campaign.

Another woman, Chloe Conado, allowed Da Silva to stay in her home when he had nowhere to live, said Ms Boshell.

He repaid her by waging a similar campaign of threats and violence after he outstayed his welcome.

Ms Conado said she had had to leave her home and employment to escape him.

Da Silva also assaulted two prison guards who tried to help him by punching one in the face and spitting at another.

He was convicted of stalking Ms Conado; harassing Ms Wade, two counts of assault by beating and one of burglary, all on various dates between March last year and January.

Da Silva also has eight previous convictions for violence, public order offences and theft.

Peter Du Feu, defending, said his client had been suffering from drug induced psychosis during much of his recent offending.

He added: “He has a loving family; he presents as frustrating towards those who care for him, undoubtedly.

“Understandably, the courts and prison system have to manage him.

“But there was a 10-year gap in offending which, perhaps, offers a glimmer of hope for the future.”

He said it was up to his client to address his issues by grasping the help on offer.

Judge Amjad Nawaz told Da Silva: “You have a problem – but it’s a self induced problem.

“From taking drink and drugs you get into a state of psychosis.

“You have to take charge of your life.”

He pointed out that many of the recent offences were committed while Da Silva was on licence from prison for previous offending.

Judge Nawaz said he had conducted a “hate campaign” towards Ms Wade and made Da Silva subject to a seven-year restraining to protect her and also Ms Conado.

Da Silva was sentenced to 32 months in jail.

He will serve 40 per cent of that behind bars and the remainder, again, on licence in the community.