Encamp man faces 6.5 years for hammer robbery at hotel

A young man from Encamp faces up to six and a half years in prison following a trial at the Tribunal de Corts over an armed robbery at a central hotel in the parish last August.

The incident unfolded in the early hours of 22-23 August 2024. The 24-year-old, who had been living in Valladolid for the eight months prior and was dealing with personal difficulties including the recent tragic loss of his mother in a traffic accident, caused disruption across the area. He attempted to break into the tourist office on Plaça del Consell and entered a residential garden before targeting the hotel. There, he threatened the receptionist with a hammer, demanding cash from the register and taking just under €1,000—figures reported as around €900 in court proceedings.

Prosecutors have charged him with qualified robbery using a weapon, attempted theft with force, attempted burglary of an inhabited dwelling, and minor offences of drug possession and consumption. He was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine at the time, according to accounts presented in court. The man admitted to most of the charges, including during his arrest about a day and a half later, when police ended a major operation near the initial disturbance site.

His defence argues the actions stemmed from a posttraumatic depressive episode exacerbated by substance use. They seek credit for the eight months he has already served in provisional custody, requesting no further time behind bars. He continues to receive psychological treatment.

The hotel receptionist testified to fearing for his life during the confrontation, describing lasting psychological effects that have undermined his sense of safety at work. The case, heard on Tuesday, drew significant local attention amid the initial tension as the suspect remained at large.