Two years in prison and a €1,300 fine. This was the request made yesterday in court in Sassari by prosecutor Ilaria Achenza against Gianni Maria Penduzzu, charged with defrauding an incompetent person.

According to the charges, the former head of radiology at Alghero's civil hospital, then 61 years old, allegedly took advantage of the mental illness of a wealthy 80-year-old woman, with whom he was having a romantic relationship, from January 2017 to May 2018 to obtain 38,000 euros.

This sum, as the prosecutor reported in court, was used to pay for dental care and a down payment on a house. Achenza said, "Penduzzu's conduct bordered on deception."

The plaintiffs' lawyer, Pier Giovanni Arru, argued that the woman, who died in 2021 due to the neurocognitive disorder she suffered from, was "unable to care for herself." He, agreeing with the prosecutor's conclusions, sought compensation of over €180,000, including restitution of the money paid, an assessment of moral damages, and the plaintiffs' legal fees.

The defense, represented by lawyers Giovanni Antonio Manca and Pietro Diaz, disagreed, claiming that the 80-year-old was competent and had given other gifts to his acquaintances during that period. Judge Marta Guadalupi adjourned the case until December 10th for replies and sentencing.

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