Couple appeals sentence for abandonment that led to death of elderly woman
António and Blanca Oliveira are appealing their conviction for allowing a 98-year-old woman to die of starvation in Setúbal. They deny any intention to kill.
Couple appeals sentence for abandonment that led to death of elderly woman
Two spouses in their sixties have appealed to the Évora Court of Appeal after being punished near the maximum penalty for allowing a 98-year-old woman to die of starvation and thirst in Setúbal.
The defendants, António and Blanca Oliveira, have been detained since December of last year. In their appeal, they argue that they did not intend to cause the death of the elderly woman and that the evidence gathered is insufficient to support such a serious sentence.
The victim, Maria Nazareth, was kept tied to her bed during the final months of her life. During a period of approximately two years, she received no adequate medical care despite suffering from various health problems. Her son and daughter-in-law never took her to a hospital. When she was found, she showed skin injuries, significant weight loss, signs of dehydration and poor hygiene.
The defence is now attempting to obtain a reduction in the sentences imposed.
Source: Correio da Manhã
Source: Correio da Manhã