A Spanish man is currently facing trial in Tenerife after being accused of raping a Scottish tourist. The 40-year-old man could be sentenced to 14 years in jail if found guilty by the public prosecutors. The incident allegedly took place when the tourist got separated from her boyfriend after a disagreement following a night out in Playa de Las Americas on January 30, 2023. In the early hours of the morning, the alleged sex attack occurred, leading the woman to seek help from a local worker near the Veronicas Strip in a distressed state. She was then taken to the hospital as police observed blood on her body.
A man seen fleeing the scene as police arrived was later ruled out as a suspect, with the unnamed Spanish man under arrest since his detainment around a year ago. DNA tests linked him to the crime. The victim admitted to having a blurry memory of the incidents due to alcohol consumption that night but recalled a man being on top of her in a vehicle with his hands around her neck during the assault. She testified in court in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, stating she almost lost consciousness during the attack and remembered being dropped off after the assault by the alleged rapist a short distance away. She refuted claims from the suspect’s defense that the encounter may have been consensual.
During the first day of the trial, the local worker who initially assisted the victim provided testimony, describing her as shocked and in tears. A police officer who interacted with the woman on the morning of the incident stated in court that she appeared disoriented and almost unable to communicate. The trial is set to continue at the Audiencia Provincial court in Santa Cruz. For the latest news stories from around Scotland and beyond, sign up for our daily newsletter.