A MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED for allegedly keeping his wife trapped in the basement of his house for eight years in Sorocaba, Brazil.

Joao Batista Groppo told police he had locked his wife Sebastiana Aparecida Groppo, 64, in the cellar because she was mentally ill and agressive, the PA reports.

Police acting on a tip-off discovered a naked woman in the dark, filthy basement of the property.

Groppo initially said he had locked her in the basement for 16 years, but afterwards changed this to eight years, which police said his son had confirmed. Their son said he was aware of the situation but could not make his father stop.

The couple have been married for 40 years, the BBC reports.

Groppo’s girlfriend has also been arrested on suspicion of acting as an accomplice. They face eight years in prison if found guilty. The Groppos’ son could also face charges for failing to come the aid of a person in need, according to authorities.

The inspector who found Sebastiana Groppo said she was lying naked on a concrete bed in a “foul-smelling, humid cubicle with no electricity or ventilation” and was behind a padlocked iron gate.

She was subsequently taken to hospital. She appears in good health and has been released, although authorities say she may need psychological therapy for some time. She is now staying with a relative, the Telegraph reports from Brazil.