Câmara de Lobos Bank Robber Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

Man Confessed to Robbery Using a Water Pistol

A 42-year-old man was sentenced to six years in prison by the Madeira Judicial Court on Wednesday for a bank robbery in Câmara de Lobos last January. The court also ordered him to compensate the victims.

The man had entered the Caixa Geral de Depósitos branch disguised with gloves, sunglasses, and a mask, carrying what was later revealed to be a water pistol. He managed to escape with €215,000, an amount far exceeding his expectations, and left without physically harming anyone.

Defendant Cites Desperation and Family Needs

In his defense, the man explained that he acted out of financial desperation. With three children facing medical issues and his job at risk, he felt cornered. "I didn’t plan this,” he told the court, tearfully apologizing to the bank employees and customers. He admitted to most of the charges but denied accusations of using a real weapon or premeditating the crime. He claimed he used a knife solely to cut plastic ties for an unwell employee.

This afternoon, the Judicial Court of the District of Madeira acquitted the defendant of the three charges of kidnapping he had been accused of but sentenced him to six years in prison for aggravated robbery, in addition to ordering compensation payments to the victims.

JM-Madeira

Stolen Money Mostly Recovered

Authorities recovered €208,000 at the man’s home five days after the robbery. He said the remaining amount was spent on construction materials for a rental property. The heist's unexpectedly large payout was due to the fact that the bank’s safe held more cash than usual.

Court Clears Man of Hostage Charges

The court cleared the man of allegations that he had held employees and customers hostage during the robbery. Surveillance footage reportedly supported his claim that he did not force the bank manager to disable the alarm or tie up anyone.

The case has drawn attention due to the robber’s claims of desperation and the relatively unusual use of a non-lethal weapon. Madeira, like other parts of Portugal, has seen an increase in reported crimes in recent years.

Source: JM-Madeira