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A 54-year-old French woman, Sandrine Pissarra, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday for the torture and starvation of her 13-year-old daughter, Amandine. The girl succumbed to prolonged abuse in 2020 after being locked in a windowless storage cupboard for weeks without food. The court in Montpellier also sentenced Pissarra’s partner, 49-year-old Jean-Michel Cros, to 20 years for his complicity in the crime.
Prosecutors revealed Pissarra’s motive stemmed from a deep hatred of Amandine’s father, with whom she was estranged. This resentment was transferred to Amandine, who resembled her father. Pissarra admitted to the charges of “acts of torture and barbarity resulting in death,” calling herself a “monstrous mother.”
Amandine’s tragic death exposed a harrowing pattern of abuse. From a young age, she was subjected to relentless physical violence, including being kicked, punched, and struck with sharp objects. By the time of her death, she was emaciated, weighing only 28 kilograms (62 pounds) despite standing 1.55 meters (5.1 feet) tall. Her body was riddled with infected wounds, and she had lost several teeth and patches of hair due to the abuse.
During the trial, it was revealed that Pissarra and Cros had installed a camera in the cupboard where Amandine was confined, allowing them to monitor her suffering. Medical reports confirmed she died of hunger, severe muscle loss, and septicemia in August 2020.
The court heard that Amandine was routinely denied food, left to endure unimaginable conditions, and subjected to psychological torment. Prosecutors described Pissarra as a “domestic tyrant” and “executioner” who treated Amandine with relentless cruelty. Cros, meanwhile, was labeled a “cowardly collaborator” who failed to intervene or provide care.
In her defense, Pissarra initially lied to investigators, claiming Amandine had eating disorders. She alleged that on the day of her death, Amandine had consumed only a lump of sugar and a protein drink before vomiting and losing consciousness. However, forensic evidence contradicted her claims, exposing the systemic abuse that led to Amandine’s death.
Before sentencing, Pissarra expressed remorse, apologizing to her surviving children. Despite this, the court imposed a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years, citing the brutality of her actions. Cros also admitted guilt, stating, “I feel enormous guilt about this,” but his sentence reflected his role as an accomplice rather than the primary perpetrator.
Pissarra has confirmed she will not appeal her sentence. Her case serves as a grim reminder of the horrors of domestic abuse and the necessity of safeguarding vulnerable children.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk
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