Supreme Court Upholds 31-Year Sentence for Violent Tenerife Attacker
The Spanish Supreme Court has upheld a 31-year prison sentence for a man convicted of a violent 2023 attack in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, rejecting defense claims of diminished capacity.
The Supreme Court has upheld a 31-year prison sentence for a 24-year-old man convicted of a series of violent crimes in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This ruling marks the end of the appeals process, as the court rejected the defense’s claims that the defendant lacked evidence or was under the influence of substances at the time. Security footage confirmed that the man acted with full awareness and intent throughout the attack.
The sentence is divided as follows: 20 years for sexual assault, six years for physical and psychological injuries, three years for violent robbery, and two years for making threats. While the total sentence is 31 years, the defendant will serve a maximum of 20 years in prison and must pay 75,000 euros in compensation. The court emphasized the extreme force used against the victim, a 60-year-old woman who was attacked while walking to work on the morning of January 4, 2023.
The case highlights the long-term impact of such violence. Forensic reports confirmed the victim required 180 days to recover from physical injuries, which were complicated by the transmission of diseases during the assault. The court also acknowledged the severe psychological trauma the victim continues to face, including anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and a lasting sense of helplessness.
By dismissing the defense’s claims regarding substance use, the Supreme Court has reinforced a legal standard that holds perpetrators fully accountable for their actions, prioritizing the protection of the victim. This final ruling underscores the Spanish legal system’s firm stance against crimes that combine physical violence with sexual assault and psychological abuse.