The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a 20-year prison term for a man accused of a brutal assault and sexual assault on a woman. The defendant allegedly raped the woman and viciously attacked her with a stone, causing severe injuries to her head.
Additionally, the Public Ministry is demanding a compensation of €116 for each day the victim spent hospitalized, €95 for each day she was incapacitated, and €60 for the days she could perform daily tasks but was not fully recovered.
The financial restitution would be calculated similar to that in traffic accidents, with an added 20% due to the intentional nature of the injuries. The defendant would also be liable for medical expenses, pharmaceutical costs, and a further €12,000 for emotional distress.
The victim had met the perpetrator through her romantic partner, as he was a tenant in the property owned by her partner. The defendant had proposed that the victim move to another house to care for the owner until their return from Italy.
The dwelling, situated in Güímar, was a single-floor wooden structure without electricity or running water, accessible via a tunnel under a road. The victim and her partner had to trek a kilometer on foot to reach this isolated location.
Exploiting the house’s poor condition as an excuse, the defendant offered to assist with repairs and provide water using a 4×4 vehicle until heavy rains made access impossible.
Over time, the victim grew uneasy due to the man’s behaviour and comments. When she confided in him about her discomfort and his drug use, tensions rose, leading to the end of their relationship.
Following severe rainfall which cut off access to the house, the victim demanded the return of the €50 she had paid for water supply, causing further strife and the eventual breakup.
One day, the defendant walked to the house with the intent to attack, knowing its isolation and lack of security measures would facilitate his plan.
Upon entering, he approached the sleeping woman, woke her, and proceeded to violently strike her with a stone while hurling insults. He accused her of ruining his life and relationship.
After incapacitating her, he continued to beat her, inflicting serious injuries on her face, teeth, eyes, shoulders, chest, and nose, necessitating surgical intervention.
He then coerced her into sexual activity during the assault, causing further harm.
Subsequently, the perpetrator expressed remorse, offered apology, and attempted to clean up some of the damage while promising to bring medication and food to help her recover.
Over the next couple of days, he provided sustenance and medication to keep her compliant, ensuring she did not report the incident. He transported her to Güímar with her face concealed to conceal the injuries and later returned her to the original location.
Eventually, the victim sought the help of a taxi driver to escape to a hostel and then a hospital. She revealed the assault only after being noticed by civil guards, who urged her to report the incident.
