Paulo Da Silva murder - Rochdale man handed life term

A man has been handed a life sentence for the tragic murder of Oldham man Paulo Da Silva.

This afternoon (Tuesday), Rudi Cardoso (aged 31), of Alma Street in Rochdale, was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of the murder of 48-year-old Mr Da Silva.

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

Mr Da Silva 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.

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 gave a no comment interview in custody and was later charged with murder.

The incident is believed to have been a revenge attack, after Cardoso had been involved in an altercation with Mr Da Silva a few weeks prior to the incident.

The Judge today sentenced Cardoso to life, with a minimum term of 24 years. 

Detective Inspector Lee Shaw, of GMPs Major Incident Team, said: “This was a horrific attack on Mr Da Silva, resulting in him receiving seven 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."

Earlier, Darren Smith, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: "Cardoso carried out a vicious and violent attack on Mr Da Silva, 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 Dasilva.

"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.”

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