Defendant Reveals Financial Distress And Medical Needs For His Children As Motive
A 42-year-old man, arrested for the armed robbery that shocked Câmara de Lobos earlier this year and which got him over €215,000, confessed in court Wednesday to the crime, explaining that he used a water pistol in place of a real weapon. Describing himself as desperate, he cited severe financial distress, medical needs for his children, and the imminent loss of his job as motives for the robbery. During his emotional testimony, the defendant apologized to the bank employees and patrons affected, expressing deep regret.
In the first session, the 42-year-old accused assured that he did not plan the crime and said he was desperate because he would be out of work. That his children were sick and he didn't have money to go to the doctor. In a desperate situation, he used a water pistol and a mask to rob the bank.
Defendant Says He Did Not Plan the Robbery
Appearing visibly shaken and tearful, the defendant claimed the robbery was not premeditated. He described how he arrived at the Caixa Geral de Depósitos branch early on January 12, wearing a hood, gloves, sunglasses, and a COVID-19 mask. Although armed with a water pistol, he made no explicit threats. He also denied several allegations in the indictment, including any use of a real weapon or knife. He explained that his only use of a blade was to cut plastic ties used to restrain a staff member who had become unwell.
Robber Apologizes, Claims Suicide Attempt After Crime
The court heard that the defendant fled with a surprisingly large sum of €215,000 after accessing the bank’s safe, which held much more than he had anticipated. The defendant told the judge he was so overcome with guilt after the robbery that he considered suicide but ultimately could not go through with it. Five days later, the police apprehended him and recovered €208,000 from his home, with the remainder allegedly used on home repairs and construction materials for a rental project.
The fact that the safe opened late and required a key from a second employee prolonged the robbery. The amount that was inside the deposit would have surprised the thief, who expected to take an amount of up to 50,000 eyu.
Denials of Key Allegations
Under questioning, the defendant denied instructing the bank manager to disable the alarm, saying the manager acted independently. He also disputed claims of tying up any of the six people present in the bank and insisted he never brandished a knife, a point he urged the court to verify via security footage.
Verdict Expected in Coming Weeks
The defendant, a husband and father of three, returned to Madeira from the United Kingdom a year prior and had been working as a beverage distributor. A verdict is expected in the coming weeks as the court evaluates the defendant’s claims of desperation against the severity of the crime.
Sources:
1.) Diário de Notícias da Madeira
2.) RTP Madeira
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