Police discovered Gomes was a woman when investigating complaints about her failure to pay back large personal debts. Gomes, who appeared in court dressed in trousers, shirt and tie, frequently wore a full army uniform on ceremonial occasions.

Neighbours knew the beefy woman with short grey hair as General Tito Anibal Gomes, the husband of retired nurse Joaquina Costa. Costa, who lived with Gomes for more than 15 years, told the court that she never suspected her "husband" was a woman.

Gomes moved to the Portugese mainland from the Atlantic island of Madeira in 1974 and began living with Costa two years later. The couple set up house together in the small town of Alenquer, 60 kilometres north-east of Lisbon, but split up in 1991. Costa was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Gomes, who never served in the army, was seen by neighbours in uniform and being driven around by a chauffeur.