Prosecutors Seek 10-Year Sentence for Tenerife Taxi Driver Accused of Sexual Assault

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Provincial Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a ten-year prison sentence for an Adeje taxi driver accused of sexually assaulting a German tourist in the summer of 2022.

According to court documents, the incident began when the victim took a taxi from a nightlife venue, intending to return to the accommodation where she was staying with her parents. Prosecutors allege that the driver—who has a prior criminal record for gender-based violence—deviated from the route and drove to an isolated area. The indictment states that the driver ignored the passenger’s verbal and physical resistance, using intimidation to carry out the assault.

This case has drawn attention to safety concerns within the taxi industry, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas like southern Tenerife, where there are calls for stricter security measures. The defendant’s history of recidivism is expected to be a key factor in the court’s assessment of the case.

The trial is scheduled for April 27 and 28. The court will determine the driver's criminal liability after reviewing expert evidence and hearing testimonies gathered during the investigation. The case has sparked broader public concern regarding the safety of women in nightlife areas and the trust placed in public transport services.