A 48-year-old man was caught in the act by his sister and reacted aggressively. The case happened in Porto da Cruz, Machico, Madeira island.
A 48-year-old man was detained in pre-trial detention in Madeira on suspicion of sexual abuse by his own mother, aged 92, who suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s and is completely dependent on third parties, more specifically her daughter, her main caregiver.
According to the Madeira District Attorney’s Office, the accused, residing in Porto da Cruz, in the municipality of Machico, was present for the first judicial interrogation, on the initiative of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and is accused of committing crimes of sexual abuse of a person incapable of resistance, offenses against simple physical integrity and coercion, according to the newspaper.
He took advantage of his sister’s absence
According to the Public Ministry, the man took advantage of the absence of his sister, their mother’s caregiver, to commit the acts of which he is suspected. The situation would have been discovered when the sister returned to the scene and surprised the accused, who responded with threats and aggression when confronted by the sister, which would have led to the intervention of the PSP.
The victim, aged 92, is described by authorities as a person “totally dependent on others” and suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s, circumstances that, according to the investigation, would leave her unable to resist or fully understand the acts carried out. Due to the victim’s inability to understand the scope and meaning of exercising the right to complain, and in the absence of a legal representative, the Public Prosecutor’s Office assumed the right to file a complaint in defense of the victim. The decision was taken considering that the victim’s interests so advised, above all to guarantee his protection.
After the first judicial interrogation, the most serious coercive measure provided for by law was applied to the defendant, preventive detention, ordered when the court considers that there is strong evidence of the commission of a crime and concrete dangers that cannot be prevented through less severe measures.
The case is being investigated by the Department of Investigation and Criminal Action (DIAP) of Santa Cruz, with support from the Civil Police. The investigation is under judicial secrecy, says the Sun. The investigation continues under the direction of the Public Ministry, assisted by the Civil Police.
