A CARE worker has been jailed for a year after mistreating a vulnerable, disabled woman – by taking her wheelchair, shouting abuse at her and pressuring her to eat until she vomited.
Joana De Mata Viana Martins (42) was previously convicted of two counts of ill treatment of the 18-year-old victim, who requires 24-hour care and has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and a learning difficulty.
The Royal Court heard that Martins committed the offences on 10 August and 5 September 2022, but she continued to deny them, claiming two witnesses had made up the allegations.
The charges were described as “deeply concerning behaviour” by the States police.
Martins mocked the victim, shouted in her face, removed and withheld her wheelchair and physically intimidating the vulnerable individual, as well as pressuring her to eat.
Following Tuesday’s sentencing, investigating officer Detective Sergeant Martin Davies said after today’s sentencing: “This is an appalling crime. The States of Jersey Police remain committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable members of our community.”
