Rochdale man sentenced to life in prison for murder of Oldham man

A Rochdale man has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of the murder of 48-year-old Paulo Da Silva, of Oldham.

Rudi Elton Viegas Cardoso, 31, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 24 years, after stabbing Paulo a number of times in a revenge attack earlier this year.

During a week-long trial, the court heard how in the early hours of Saturday 28 May 2022, emergency services were called to a report of a stabbing on Union Street in Oldham.

On 28 May Paulo was with his brother in Kilombo Restaurant on Union Street in Oldham. Around 4am Paulo went outside alone to smoke where he was approached by Cardoso.

Witnesses describe a short conversation between the two before Cardoso was seen to produce a large knife and stab Paulo repeatedly. Cardoso then left the area in his vehicle.

 

 

The prosecution case was that the stabbing was a revenge attack following ongoing issues between the pair since April when an argument escalated into a fight, and Cardoso receiving a cut to his eyebrow..

CCTV showed that around 4am Cardoso briefly entered the Kilombo restaurant, before returning to his car where he retrieved a knife and donned a hooded top, in an attempt to disguise his appearance.

He then stabbed Paulo several times in the upper chest area and left him bleeding profusely.

Paulo was found with serious stab wounds to his neck and chest and was rushed to hospital by paramedics, where he was tragically pronounced dead on arrival.

The pathologist confirmed that the Paulo had four wounds in his upper chest, a wound in his neck and in his forearm, along with other minor injuries. He explained that the main wound to the chest, which cut through a rib and penetrated the lung, would have required severe force being applied to inflict that injury.

Detectives from GMPs Major Incident Team launched a manhunt to locate the offender and Cardoso was found and arrested at a house in Ipswich, Suffolk, the next day. 

He made no comment in interview and went on to plead not guilty at court, claiming self-defence and diminished responsibility.

Following a trial which concluded today (6 December) at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, the jury found Cardoso guilty of murder.

Detective Inspector Lee Shaw, of GMPs Major Incident Team, said: “This was a horrific attack on Mr Da Silva, resulting in him receiving several stab wounds. The level of violence used by Cardoso shows that he is clearly a dangerous man and we are relieved that he has finally faced justice and will be spending a considerable amount of time in prison.

“This investigation was incredibly fast paced and our team of officers and staff leapt into action as soon as the incident occurred, and by utilising mobile phone tracking, we were able to quickly locate and detain Cardoso and bring him into custody.

“Our thoughts are very much with Mr Da Silva’s family and friends and we hope that today’s result brings some form of closure for them.”

Darren Smith, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “Viegas Cardoso carried out a vicious and violent attack on Mr Dasilva, who had no chance to defend himself.

“Cardoso then attempted to disguise himself and left the Greater Manchester area in an attempt to evade arrest.

“The Crown Prosecution Service worked with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case against him, including CCTV footage, phone location data and forensic evidence.

“Nothing can make up for the loss of Paulo Da Silva. I can only hope that his family and friends can find some comfort in knowing the man responsible has been brought to justice; my thoughts remain with them at this time.”