French Woman Sentenced to Life for Starving Daughter to Death

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A court in Montpellier, France, has sentenced Sandrine Pissarra, 54, to life imprisonment for the abuse and starvation of her daughter, Amandine. The 13-year-old girl died of a heart attack in 2020, weighing a mere 28 kilograms at a height of 1.55 meters. Medical reports indicated that Amandine had suffered severe weight loss, muscle deterioration, and septicaemia.

The court found Pissarra guilty of acts of torture and barbarity, emphasizing that she must serve a minimum of 20 years before becoming eligible for parole. The verdict, reached by a panel of three judges and six jurors, was the maximum penalty permissible for such a crime.

Pissarra’s former partner, Jean-Michel Cros, 49, also faced consequences, receiving a 20-year sentence without the possibility of parole for neglecting Amandine's care. The prosecutor described Pissarra as a "domestic tyrant" and called for a severe sentence, which was ultimately granted.

Amandine endured years of abuse, including physical assaults and prolonged periods of confinement without food. During her final speech, Pissarra stated her desire to apologize to her children, while Cros chose to remain silent.

The case has sparked widespread outrage and serves as a grim reminder of child abuse and neglect issues in society.

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