By DAISY SAMPSON
daisy.sampson@the-resident.com
A BRITISH woman whose eight-year old daughter was taken into protective care by Portuguese authorities appeared in court in Portimão today (Friday).
In a closed session, Stephanie Bysh was reunited with her daughter Ariella d’Gama in the presence of social workers and a lawyer.
A judge at the family and minors section of Portimão court heard testimony from Stephanie, Ariella and various social workers.
Before entering the court, Ariella was heard asking her mother: “Do I have to stay here longer, will I be able to go home in a couple of days?”
Stephanie Bysh replied: “We will try and go home on Sunday but we have to sort things out first.”
Social workers then briefed Ariella, saying that she “only had to tell the truth and if she couldn´t recall something to say that she couldn’t remember”.
Ariella showed off her new Portuguese language skills when she asked to use the toilet in Portuguese.
Social workers were heard explaining to Stephanie that while in protective care Ariella had learnt a number of Portuguese words and phases.
Both mother and daughter were emotional in the public part of the court, with Ariella sitting on her mother’s knee until she was called in to talk to the judge.
While Ariella was in the court, her mother wept quietly until she too was called to speak.
After the session, which lasted approximately 40 minutes, Ariella was taken away by two social workers while Stephanie left via another exit.
When asked if Ariella would be returned to her mothers care´, social workers said that they were unable to comment about the case.
A source close to Stephanie Bysh is reported as saying: “Stephanie and Ariella are back together now and they will be coming back to the UK as soon as possible”
A spokesman at the court told The Resident: “The case is still being processed and we are unable to divulge the final results of the hearing.”
1″>news
