Andorra Court Rules on Stalking, Rape Cases Amid Domestic Abuse Trials

The Tribunal de Corts has handed down rulings in three unrelated criminal cases involving domestic abuse and sexual assault, distinct from the ongoing stalking trial of a 31-year-old man from Escaldes-Engordany.

In the stalking case, which began hearings this week, the 30-year-old victim from Andorra la Vella described a "dysfunctional" relationship starting in 2012 that left her feeling controlled and isolated. She ended it in March 2021, citing pressure to conform to the man's preferences, including buying her smaller-sized clothing that forced her to skip meals, restricting her social life, and anger over her refusing sex or outings with friends. After the breakup, she recounted repeated visits to her home—where he banged on the door and ignored her mother's pleas to leave—plus deliveries via courier service containing toys, letters, and food. The accused admitted visiting her home about four times shortly after the split, sending apologetic messages for his "pressure," and appearing at public spots like parks and malls, though he denied physical harm or jealousy, blaming emotional dependency and panic. Police once seized a knife from his fanny pack during an intervention after she felt pursued; he said it was for opening packages. Prosecutors seek 30 months' suspended prison and an eight-year no-contact order, citing her ongoing psychological treatment; the defence requests acquittal, framing it as poor grief management. Further witnesses and experts are due before closing arguments.

Separately, the court yesterday sentenced a French tourist of Algerian origin to four years for raping a young Catalan woman in an Andorra la Vella nightclub bathroom on October 27, 2024. It credited 16 months served in pre-trial detention at La Comella—leaving him free on conditional suspension of the rest—plus €6,000 victim compensation, a €1,000 fine, 10-year no-contact order, and 20-year Andorra ban, requiring immediate departure. He claimed consensual contact thwarted by alcohol-related impotence; she said she withdrew consent during painful penetration, which he ignored despite her pleas and covering her mouth. Medical reports confirmed vaginal injuries and blood on clothing. Parties have 15 days to appeal to the Tribunal Superior.

In another ruling notified Friday, a 34-year-old Colombian resident received a six-year term for major sexual assault—classified as rape—against his 31-year-old housemate, his employer's partner, in an Aixirivall apartment on July 14, 2024, after partying and alcohol. Prosecutors sought nine years; the defence pushed for acquittal over contradictory accounts. Of the sentence, 20 months are firm—he has served nearly 18 since September 2024 arrest—followed by 15-year expulsion and 12-year no-contact order, with release expected in May. He denies guilt and may appeal to the Tribunal Superior's criminal chamber. The victim told her partner, who evicted her while letting the man stay nearly two more months.