A man has pleaded guilty to two separate child sex assaults that took place in Ewell and Claygate in 2017 — after his DNA matched forensic evidence during a police job application seven years later.
Reinaldo Goncalo Bertoni Filho, 41, of Askew Road, London, admitted to sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault on a child under 13 at Guildford Crown Court on 13 May 2025.
The offences came to light after Bertoni Filho submitted a DNA sample as part of a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) vetting process with British Transport Police (BTP) in September 2024. His DNA matched that found at the scenes of two unsolved sexual assaults on young girls.
The Attacks
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10 July 2017 – Ewell, Surrey
A 15-year-old girl cycling alone on a footpath in Hogsmill Open Space was attacked by Bertoni Filho, who cornered her and sexually assaulted her after forcing her to the ground. She fought back, biting and scratching his face, which forced him to flee. DNA collected from her clothing was uploaded to the national database but yielded no match—until now. -
17 August 2017 – Claygate Common
A 10-year-old girl was grabbed by a man while walking alone. He pinned her against a tree and sexually assaulted her, but she escaped by kicking him in the stomach. A family friend spotted Bertoni Filho jogging nearby wearing the same clothes and challenged him. The suspect fled but dropped an earbud, which later provided a crucial DNA match.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
The DNA collected during BTP’s mandatory vetting process in 2024 confirmed the match to both crime scenes. Bertoni Filho was arrested shortly after and charged.
He pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a child under 13 at an earlier hearing and to sexual assault by penetration on 13 May. He is due to be sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on 25 July 2025.
Police Praise Victims and Forensic Breakthrough
Detective Sergeant Adele Robertson, from the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, said:
“Bertoni Filho was a dangerous sexual predator who targeted young girls in isolated areas. His audacity in applying to join the police ultimately led to his capture.”
She praised both victims for their “tremendous bravery”, adding:
“This case shows our commitment to continuing investigations, even after years have passed.”
BTP Chief Inspector Tracy Goddard-King added:
“Thorough vetting ensured this man was caught, removed from the streets, and most importantly, prevented from joining the police.”
Support and Reporting
If you’ve been the victim of a sexual assault, support and advice are available:
Surrey Police – Sexual Offences Information & Reporting](https:///www.surrey.police.uk/ro
