A woman has been convicted of mistreating and neglecting a vulnerable person, in a landmark case in Jersey’s Royal Court.

During a four day trial, the court heard how Joana da Mata Viana Martins mocked, intimidated, shouted in the face of, and purposely removed the wheelchair of a young disabled adult. 

Martins has been found guilty of two counts of ill-treatment and wilful neglect of a vulnerable person. It is the first conviction under the Capacity and Self Determination Law 2016, which came info force in 2018.

The case came to light when the Safeguarding Adults Team received a referral on 27 September 2022 concerning the mistreatment of the victim by Martins.

Detective Constable Fewtrell, the investigating officer, says this is an ‘appalling crime’ by a person in a position of trust. 

"Crimes such as these should never be tolerated, and we will do everything in our power to see offenders face justice."

Martins will be sentenced later this year.

A police statement says: “The Safeguarding Adults Team, a dedicated unit within Adult Social Services, acts promptly on reports of abuse or neglect involving adults with care and support needs.

The public are encouraged to report any concerns to the Single Point of Referral (SPOR) at 01534 444440.”