Cecilia Haddad murder accused tells Brazilian court she 'used a lot of drugs'

Accused murderer Mario Marcelo Santoro has spoken in court for the first time, explaining his reasons for returning to Brazil earlier than planned and accusing his ex-girlfriend of heavy drinking and drug use.

Mr Santoro, who is accused of killing and attempting to conceal the body of ex-girlfriend Sydney businesswoman Cecilia Haddad, 38, in April, appeared in the Rio De Janiero Central Court of Justice today (local time).

During the hearing, Mr Santoro was asked by his lawyers why he returned to Brazil earlier than planned. Mr Santoro responded by saying he missed his daughters and that his father’s health was deteriorating. 

Lawyers also asked why Ms Haddad was sleeping out of her Sydney home – which she was sharing with Mr Santoro at the time – on weekdays prior to her death. Mr Santoro said it was because she had a job 100 kilometres away.

Mr Santoro told the court Haddad consumed a lot of alcohol and used drugs when she was in Brazil. 

READ MORE: Mr Santoro’s legal team call Mr Santoro’s legal team call 

The 41-year-old, who appeared wearing scruffy jeans, sneakers and a white t-shirt, appeared nervous while speaking with his defence lawyers.

He remained in handcuffs throughout the hearing, even as he signed a transcript of his testimony. 

After the hearing, Mr Santoro’s lawyers said Australian detectives are yet to officially introduced any new evidence to the case file.

Mr Santoro’s evidence in court will help a Brazilian judge decide whether the case goes to trial.

If it does and Mr Santoro is successfully convicted, he will face up to 30 years jail.

Ms Haddad’s body was found in Lane Cove River in April 29 – the same day Mr Santoro left Australia to fly to Brazil. 

In June, NSW police announced a warrant had been issued for Mr Santoro’s arrest, and that they would be requesting his extradition from Brazil.

Just weeks later, Mr Santoro was arrested by Brazilian authorities at his sister’s home in Rio’s Botafogo district.

Given the absence of an extradition treaty between Brazil and Australia, Rio police decided to charge Mr Santoro under Brazilian extraterritoriality laws.

Mr Santoro is accused of committing “femicide”, a category of murder introduced in 2015 to defend victims of domestic violence. Femicide carries harsher than standard sentences.

Mr Santoro was also charged with attempting to conceal Ms Haddad’s body.