Court Hearing Reveals Disturbing Case of Abandoned Children in Portugal
Sexologist mum who abandoned boys, 5 & 3, in forest sings opera as stepdad shouts ‘I love you’ at bizarre court hearing

Image: The Sun
Marine Rousseau, a 41-year-old sexologist, and her partner Marc Ballabriga, 55, face serious charges after allegedly abandoning their two young sons in a forest in Portugal. The couple was found 100 miles away, casually enjoying a café, while their children were discovered alone and crying. The court hearing featured bizarre behavior from the couple, including Rousseau singing opera and Ballabriga shouting affectionate phrases.
- 01The couple faces charges of domestic violence, child abandonment, and neglect, with a judge set to decide on bail.
- 02Two European arrest warrants have been issued for Rousseau and Ballabriga, who are also suspected of abandoning Rousseau's 16-year-old son in France.
- 03The children were reportedly blindfolded and told they were on a 'treasure hunt' to find buried knives.
- 04The couple was arrested at O Vasco café in Fatima after a pensioner recognized them and alerted the authorities.
- 05CCTV footage showed the children playing in their parents' car shortly before the abandonment incident.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Marine Rousseau, a 41-year-old sexologist, and her partner Marc Ballabriga, 55, are embroiled in a disturbing case after allegedly abandoning their two sons, Barthelemy, 5, and Zacharie, 3, in a forest in Portugal. The children were discovered alone and crying on a rural road, prompting a police search that led to the couple being found 100 miles away at a café near Lisbon. During a recent court hearing, Rousseau exhibited bizarre behavior by singing opera, while Ballabriga shouted 'I love you,' leaving observers puzzled about their emotional state. The couple faces multiple charges, including domestic violence and child neglect, with a judge expected to rule on their bail status soon. Additionally, two European arrest warrants have been issued against them, and they are suspected of having abandoned another son, aged 16, in France. Reports indicate that the children were blindfolded and misled into believing they were participating in a game, while Rousseau and Ballabriga enjoyed time at the café, seemingly unconcerned for their children's safety. The café owner and a pensioner who alerted the police described the couple's calm demeanor during their arrest, raising further concerns about their mental state.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The case raises concerns about child safety and parental responsibilities, prompting discussions on the legal repercussions for neglectful parents.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What should be the legal consequences for parents who abandon their children?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.





