Sports Scholar Athlete Convicted of Copper Theft at Andorra Hotel Site

A 20-year-old athlete, who receives a sports scholarship, has been convicted of stealing copper from a hotel renovation site in Escaldes-Engordany, causing damages estimated at 16,000 euros.

The incident occurred during an October reform project at the hotel, where the young man broke in, removed copper valued at just a few hundred euros, and inflicted significant structural damage. Hotel managers filed a complaint that month, prompting police to investigate and identify him as the suspect.

Officers had tried contacting him previously without success, as he frequently trains and resides outside Andorra. On Friday morning, they summoned him to police headquarters, where he was immediately detained on suspicion of burglary. After being informed of his rights and the evidence against him, authorities searched his home and found tools matching those used to force entry at the site.

Confronted with the proof, the athlete confessed. He appeared before a judge hours later. Although the mayor was ready to impose a three- or four-month prison term, the public prosecutor declined to seek custody. The court issued a suspended sentence instead, releasing him immediately. Any further criminal offence within the next two years would require him to serve time at La Comella prison.