Andorra Court Cuts Filipino Father's Sentence to 10 Years for Abusing Daughter

Andorra's Superior Court has reduced a Filipino father's prison sentence from 15 to 10 years for sexually assaulting his minor daughter over seven years, partially upholding his appeal by acquitting him of one key charge due to insufficient evidence.

The criminal chamber confirmed the Corts Court's February conviction for most counts of repeated sexual assaults against the girl, committed between the ages of 4 and 11 while exploiting family cohabitation. It overturned, however, one count of sexual acts without the minor's consent—and one source described it as the primary charge of continued consummated rape—citing errors in the lower court's proof evaluation raised by defence lawyers.

The man, a long-term resident in his forties who worked in the restaurant sector, was arrested on 1 May 2024 as he left work and has remained in custody since. The victim disclosed the abuse years later to a trusted school teacher, shortly before turning 15, prompting an investigation that led to the trial earlier this year.

Defence lawyers sought full acquittal, arguing insufficient evidence to rebut the presumption of innocence, varying statements from the victim, and lack of proof for all offences. As an alternative, they requested a maximum of six years' imprisonment and opposed his deportation. The man has denied the allegations throughout.

The Superior Court rejected outright acquittal but accepted the partial appeal, deeming one offence unproven. The final 10-year sentence, now definitive, upholds the original measures: compensation for moral damages to the victim, withdrawal of parental authority, a ban on approaching or contacting her, and expulsion from Andorra for 20 years after serving the term. Protective measures for the victim remain in place. No further details on the court's full reasoning have been released.