On February 8, the trial of footballer Dani Alves for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the restroom of Sutton nightclub’s VIP area on December 31, 2022, reached the stage of a verdict. Two weeks later, the Barcelona High Court, which heard the case, summoned Alves, the legal representatives of all parties, the prosecution, and the defense to communicate its decision. (Attribution: Court proceedings)
Once the hearing concludes, the Brazilian star is expected to leave prison under police escort and be brought before the court to determine whether he will remain detained or be granted release while the verdict is issued. The latest appearance outside Brians 2 prison showed Alves looking notably thinner and more worn than in earlier proceedings. (Attribution: Court records)
Authorities expect the sentence to be delivered sooner than some anticipated, despite the case involving a detainee with priority status in the justice system. Alongside the verdict, the court is also anticipated to rule on a request for provisional release filed by Alves counsel in the final moments of the trial. The lawyer, Inés Guardiola, sought immediate release while awaiting the verdict. Two weeks later, the court is preparing its ruling, and the decision could appear delayed relative to expectations. (Attribution: Legal filings)
However, the verdict this Thursday will not mark the end of the Alves saga. The parties may appeal to higher courts unless the decision becomes final. If the result is a conviction or an acquittal, a further appeal will be possible first to the Catalan High Court of Justice, which will issue its ruling in coming months. Regardless, a new appeal could be filed again with the Supreme Court, and its decision, potentially before year-end if pursued, would be final and would conclude the ongoing case against Alves. (Attribution: Appellate procedures)
In terms of penalties, the public prosecutor has requested nine years in prison, 150,000 euros in compensation for the victim, and ten years of supervised release for Alves for a sexual assault charge. The private accusation, led by attorney Ester García on behalf of the victim, increases the prison term to twelve years, the maximum for these cases. (Attribution: Prosecutor’s office)
Alves’ defense maintains that the relations were consensual as argued during the trial. As an alternative to acquittal, the defense has proposed a one-year custodial sentence for the alleged assault with the partial defense of intoxication, along with arguments about damage repair and alleged rights violations during the process. (Attribution: Defense filings)
The resolution of this high-profile case, which drew a large international press contingent and substantial courtroom attention, will be announced Thursday morning while Alves remains in custody awaiting the court’s decision. (Attribution: Media coverage)