A man and a woman living in Setúbal have been arrested on suspicion of committing several crimes, including domestic violence against the woman’s 72-year-old uncle.
In a statement, the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) reported that the case came to light on September 12, when a social worker visited “a residence in Setúbal” and discovered that “an elderly man was being mistreated.”
The worker immediately approached the PJ to report her observations. According to her account, the elderly man “had multiple bruises on his body, appeared malnourished and dehydrated, and was evidently lacking in hygiene.”
Authorities promptly visited the scene and, after a direct assessment of the victim, arranged for his transport to a hospital, where he remains admitted.
Investigations revealed that the responsibility for the elderly man’s care was assigned to his niece, who was acting as his informal caregiver.
The PJ also found that there was a “power of attorney in the name of the caregiver to manage the elderly man’s bank accounts.”
Along with the couple’s arrest, inspectors seized drugs and a firearm, specifically a revolver, from the suspects.
The detainees, both previously known to authorities for committing other crimes, including theft and physical assault, will now appear in court, where appropriate coercive measures will be determined.
