Del Vecchio's former complaint: 'He won't let me see my daughter'

A court has ruled that Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio must hand over his one-year-old daughter to her mother, Sara Soldati, following a dispute over custody. The decision was announced after a series of allegations involving the father’s alleged abduction of the child and interference with the mother's access to her daughter. The conflict began in early July when Soldati filed a complaint against Del Vecchio, accusing him of abducting the child and subjecting her to private violence. According to the legal team representing Soldati, Annamaria Bernardini de Pace, Valentina Eramo, Rebecca Sinatra, and Luca Procaccini, the father had taken the child from her starting on July 9 and kept her in what they described as a form of captivity aboard his 72-square-meter boat. The mother was reportedly barred from boarding the vessel and was prevented from being alone with her daughter. On July 14, Soldati submitted the initial complaint to the Milan Prosecutor’s Office. In subsequent developments, Soldati managed to board the boat at Cala di Volpe after persistent efforts. However, according to the legal team, Del Vecchio, with the assistance of his lawyers, obstructed her ability to take the child with her and even restricted her from being left alone with the girl. A third party allegedly intervened and took the child away from Soldati, prompting her to file another complaint with the Carabinieri in Porto Cervo, accusing Del Vecchio of further acts of violence. Soldati’s legal representatives stated that she had signed a private document under duress, expressing fear of losing her child. This document, they claimed, was drafted with the help of two of her friends who were also her attorneys and paid for by Del Vecchio. They argued that the agreement contained clauses granting Del Vecchio unilateral authority over decisions regarding the child and imposed severe penalties for breaches of confidentiality. The legal team plans to challenge this document, asserting that it should be declared null and void. They have also indicated that Soldati will continue to seek her daughter directly from Del Vecchio and, if necessary, involve law enforcement to ensure the child’s return. In contrast, Del Vecchio’s lawyer, Daniela Missaglia, presented a different version of events. She told the Corriere della Sera and Messaggero that Soldati had been invited to stay with the child based on prior agreements, which she chose to ignore. Missaglia noted that Soldati was given the option to remain on the boat or go elsewhere with the child, but she refused to comply. She emphasized that each party is responsible for the complaints they make. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the parents over the child’s care and custody. Legal proceedings are likely to continue, with both sides presenting their versions of the events. The outcome could set a precedent for similar family disputes, particularly concerning parental rights and child welfare. As the situation unfolds, public interest remains high, with media coverage continuing to follow the legal battle and its implications for the child’s future.