Tenerife Businessman Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting Employees

The Provincial Court of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has sentenced a businessman from San Isidro, Granadilla de Abona, for sexually assaulting three of his employees. The court found that the owner abused his position of power and exploited the financial vulnerability of his staff to subject them to unwanted physical contact.

The defendant received a total prison sentence of three years and two months after reaching a plea agreement during his trial. He has also been ordered to pay a total of 43,600 euros in compensation to the victims, with individual payments of 25,000, 18,650, and 6,200 euros.

The court established that the abuse occurred between late 2022 and November 2023. The businessman used the threat of firing his employees to coerce them, causing them significant anxiety and distress. In one instance, an employee was dismissed after she tried to avoid his advances. The legal proceedings began after the first two victims reported the abuse to the Civil Guard on November 30, 2023.

As part of the sentence, the court issued restraining orders prohibiting the man from contacting the victims or coming within 500 meters of them. These orders remain in effect for three and a half years for two of the victims, and five and a half years for the third.

While the court handed down a prison sentence, it has suspended the jail time on the condition that the businessman does not reoffend for four years and ensures the victims receive their full compensation. The defendant had already deposited 50,000 euros with the court before the trial, which covers the required payments. This case highlights the ongoing issue of workplace sexual violence, where financial dependence often prevents victims from reporting abuse.