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Carer jailed over disabled woman’s death

The carer who admitted the manslaughter of Adelaide cerebral palsy sufferer Ann Marie Smith has been jailed for at least five years and three months.

Rosa Maria Maione came before the South Australian Supreme Court for sentencing on Friday after having her bail revoked last week.

Justice Anne Bampton imposed a head sentence of six years and seven months with a non-parole period of five years and three months.

In sentencing submissions last week, Maione offered a tearful apology for her criminal neglect.

“I’m so sorry that my actions have caused so much distress,” she said in a short statement.

“I pray with all my heart that Annie is in heaven. I ask for Annie’s forgiveness, knowing that nothing I say can ever bring her back.

“I will bear this guilt for the rest of my life.”

Ms Smith died in hospital in April 2020 from septic shock, multiple organ failure, severe pressure sores and malnourishment.

The 54-year-old had been found to be living in squalid conditions in her own home, largely confined to a cane chair, while under the care of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

In the period leading up to the death, Maione had worked as her carer.

At an earlier court hearing, Ms Smith’s family said there was some relief in Maione’s guilty plea.

“She’s finally stood up to be counted. But it’s too late,” the victim’s uncle Glenn Smith said.

-AAP

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