Appeals Heard in Andorra Rape Case Against Man Sentenced for Assaulting Minors

The Superior Court heard appeals on Tuesday in a high-profile case involving a young man sentenced to nine years in prison by the Corts Tribunal last December for two major sexual assault charges and one count of rape against three minors.

Prosecutors, who originally sought 13 years, requested an increase to 11 years during the closed-door hearing, while the private prosecution, representing two victims, pushed for 16 years—up from their initial 24-year demand for those cases. Both sides argued the 24-year-old appellant was fully aware of his actions and rejected any full mental incapacity exemption, citing psychiatric reports suggesting he may have simulated symptoms. They also highlighted aggravating factors like age differences, with some victims as young as 14 while he was 21-22, and patterns of victim manipulation.

The defence maintained the facts were insufficiently proven and demanded acquittal. Alternatively, it sought a full exemption due to the man's autism spectrum disorder (TEA), ADHD, and a recognised 61% psychiatric impairment equivalent to a 10-year-old's mental age, arguing he could not understand the unlawfulness of his conduct. As a fallback, it requested a reduced sentence below nine years. The Corts ruling had already applied a partial exemption, significantly lowering initial penalties, and set joint compensation at €33,000—prosecutors accepted this, but the private prosecution wanted it raised to €16,000 and €25,000 for two victims.

The man, imprisoned for two years since his arrest following one family's complaint weeks earlier, did not require victim attendance at the hearing. No ruling has been issued yet. Reports noted past inmate complaints about his privileges, like internal orderly duties.