A 47-year-old defendant, who is currently in pre-trial detention, was sentenced for crimes including trespassing in a restricted area, two counts of aggravated theft, one count of simple theft, robbery, and simple bodily harm, according to a ruling dated Tuesday.
The man was also ordered to pay approximately 500 euros to the state, representing the advantage gained from the criminal acts, and 1,720 euros to a family member.
The court concluded that only imprisonment could meet the “special prevention needs, given the defendant’s drug addiction, significant criminal background, and the moderate to high risk of violence he presents, particularly towards his aunt,” who was the only family member “still willing to offer him some support,” and his “lack of professional and social integration.”
The proven facts in court reveal that the aunt “has maintained the upkeep and contents of the home that belonged to her parents,” in Leiria, and allowed the defendant to stay there overnight.
However, when she noticed it was filthy, she took the keys from her nephew and “ordered him to leave the premises,” but the man continued to occupy the house and use the property within.
The panel of judges also found that the man went to his aunt’s apartment demanding money to buy drugs, but she refused, offering two packets of biscuits instead.
The defendant pushed the door and his aunt, and took 50 euros from her wallet.
In another incident, he stole a vehicle with the keys in the ignition, drove it, and crashed into a restaurant window to steal the cash register.
During the trial, the defendant admitted to most of the charges but denied assaulting his aunt. The court found his statements lacked credibility, noting “there is no discernible reason for her to falsely incriminate” her nephew.
Last January, the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the District of Leiria announced the suspect’s arrest for several crimes committed between April 2024 and January 25 (the date he was detained by the Public Security Police) in Leiria and surrounding areas.
