19-year-old held in preventive custody for sexual abuse of minors in Portimão
Court imposed the most severe measure of restraint on suspect accused of 20 counts of sexual abuse against two children aged 7 and 8 in the Algarve.
19-year-old held in preventive custody for sexual abuse of minors in Portimão
A court in the Algarve decided to keep a 19-year-old boy in preventive custody, detained on suspicion of having sexually abused two minors in Portimão. The decision was made on Wednesday, following the first judicial questioning, according to a source linked to the investigation speaking to Lusa.
The Judicial Police had proceeded with the detention of the young man on Tuesday. He worked as a carer for the children, aged 7 and 8, living with them on a permanent basis. The parents of the victims had placed their trust in the suspect to look after their daughters.
According to the PJ, the unlawful acts are believed to have taken place between May and 24 June. The sexual assaults occurred when the parents were not at the residence. The detainee resorted to sweets and extra video game permissions to ensure the minors did not reveal what was happening.
The investigation began on Monday, following a complaint filed by one of the parents. PJ inspectors gathered evidence pointing to the young man's culpability, with the GNR in the area collaborating in the capture operation.
In addition to the abuse, the suspect is believed to have recorded photographs and recordings of the crimes. Preventive custody represents the most severe measure provided for under Portuguese criminal law.
Source: Correio da Manhã