Sintra Police Court Convicts PSP Officer with Suspended Sentence for Manslaughter in Amadora
Bruno Pinto was sentenced to three years and six months, with sentence suspended, for the death of Odair Moniz in Cova da Moura. The judges concluded that the victim was not armed and that the officer exceeded the limits of self-defence.
Sintra Police Court Convicts PSP Officer with Suspended Sentence for Manslaughter in Amadora
The Sintra court imposed a sentence of three and a half years, suspended, on police officer Bruno Pinto on Monday for the death of Odair Moniz. The incident occurred in October 2024 in Cova da Moura, in Amadora.
The judicial panel found the majority of the factual narrative presented by the Public Prosecutor's Office to be established. Regarding the alleged knife allegedly held by the victim, the magistrates concluded that there was "abundant evidence" that Odair Moniz did not carry any white weapon. The court president concluded that the officer acted in "self-defence, but with excessive means".
During the trial, Bruno Pinto was subject to a measure of suspension of functions. The court decided not to rule on the possible return of the defendant to the PSP, referring that matter to the hierarchy of the police force. The spokesperson for the police force, Sérgio Soares, stated to Lusa that the institution awaits formal notification of the ruling before deciding on the matter.
The Public Prosecutor's Office had requested a prohibition on professional practice, but the judges considered that this decision was not within their remit. At the same time, the General Inspectorate of Internal Administration is conducting a separate disciplinary procedure against the same officer.
The defence lawyers announced the possibility of appealing, arguing that acquittal based on "putative self-defence" would have been the most just decision.
Source: Correio da Manhã
Source: Correio da Manhã