Andorran Court Cuts Drunk Driver's Sentence to 6.5 Years After Nightclub Crash

The Andorran Superior Court has partially upheld an appeal by a Spanish man convicted of multiple injuries after driving into a group of people outside a nightclub in Andorra la Vella, reducing his prison sentence from nine years to six years and six months.

The incident occurred on the night of 29 March 2024 at the exit of the venue, when the driver struck five young people, causing injuries of varying severity. He had consumed cocaine and alcohol, with a blood alcohol level of 1.4 g/l, and was also found with drugs in his possession.

In the original first-instance ruling by the Corts court, the man faced charges of five counts of intentional injuries using a dangerous instrument—his vehicle—plus driving under the influence and drug possession. Prosecutors had sought up to 30 years, citing the gravity and risk involved, but the court imposed nine years.

During the appeal hearing, the defendant's lawyer requested a sharp cut to three years, arguing that heavy alcohol and drug use that night—exacerbated by the man's unfamiliarity with Andorra's altitude—should count as a mitigating factor. The lawyer noted no intent to cause serious harm, that none of the victims died, most injuries were minor, several victims did not seek compensation, and psychiatric reports described the man as non-violent. Road conditions and crowd density were also raised. The defendant stated he remembered nothing of the events and apologised to the victims' families and Andorra.

The Superior Court accepted some of these points, consolidating the penalties into a single six-and-a-half-year term while upholding the intentional injury charges, driving offences, and drug possession conviction. It also ordered his expulsion from Andorra for 20 years upon completing the sentence.

The man has been held at La Comella prison since March 2024, accounting for around 23 months served. This ruling ends the standard appeals process.