– GOBIERNO DE CANARIAS – Archivo
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 18 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is seeking a twelve-year prison sentence for a man accused of attempting to murder another man in the street with a knife after failing to buy drugs from him, and for assaulting a witness to the incident.
Incident Details
According to the document obtained by Europa Press, the incident occurred when the assailant approached a neighbourhood to purchase a dose of ‘crack’, but the dealer was unable to fulfil his request.
Frustrated, the man drew a knife and stabbed the other individual at least twice: once in the abdomen and another deep stab in the right arm, severing the humeral artery. The victim collapsed on the ground, bleeding profusely.
Threats to Witness
Upon hearing the victim’s cries for help, the attacker fled but noticed that another man had witnessed the assault. He proceeded to threaten this witness with the knife, stating, “If you say anything, I’ll cut you.”
The 57-year-old victim was taken to the University Hospital of the Canary Islands (HUC) for emergency surgery. He spent three days in intensive care and a total of 55 days in hospital, taking 340 days to recover from his injuries.
As a result, he suffered the amputation of a fingertip on his right hand, loss of mobility, and numerous scars.
Retaliation Against the Witness
The witness, a builder by trade, was able to identify the assailant to the National Police. A few days later, in retaliation, he was assaulted by the attacker and two accomplices after encountering them at a celebration outside a local tavern.
The assailant confronted him, saying, “You snitch, this is what you get for being smart, get ready now,” before the trio delivered punches and kicks to the witness’s head and face in front of his minor daughter.
The witness sustained contusions and a cut above his eyebrow that took a week to heal.
Prosecution’s Charges
The prosecutor has charged the man with attempted murder, coercion against the administration of justice, and bodily harm. They are also seeking a fine of €1,800, a prohibition from approaching within 500 metres or communicating with the victims for more than five years, along with restitution of €55,293.
For one of the other men involved in the assault, the prosecutor is seeking an additional four-year prison sentence for coercion against the witness and bodily harm, as well as joint liability for a further indemnity of €1,500.
Upcoming Trial
The trial is set to take place next Monday at the Provincial Court of Santa Cruz de Tenerife at 09:30 hours.
