Andorra Court Reviews Nightclub Sexual Assault Footage Appeal

The Superior Court of Andorra is reviewing security footage from a May 2024 incident at a central nightclub, where a young man was convicted of sexual assault for allegedly groping a woman's breast. His defence has appealed the ruling from the Corts Court, arguing that poor-quality camera images were misinterpreted and that any contact was accidental.

The man, who was dancing alone while intoxicated, claims he was pushed by a passerby near the bar, causing his hand to brush the woman's waist unintentionally. He wore a dark sweater that night, while she had on a claret top. His lawyer maintains the video shows no evidence of breast contact, as the dark clothing covers only the abdominal area, and insists a brief touch over clothing does not constitute sexual assault without intent to violate her sexual freedom.

Prosecutors dispute this, stating the footage—despite its low resolution—clearly depicts the man's hand sliding under the woman's armpit before being quickly withdrawn. They highlight her immediate reaction: turning sharply with a look of surprise and discomfort, corroborated by her partner who was present and by police officers who intervened shortly after. The man registered a blood alcohol level of 1.70 g/l, but the prosecution argues he remained aware enough for the act to be deliberate, rejecting claims of a mere graze.

The fiscalia is seeking a 12-month suspended prison sentence. The Superior Court must now reassess the evidence to decide whether the touch was intentional or accidental.