The Murcia High Court of Justice in Spain recently upheld a conviction in a case involving a 40-year-old Moroccan national who sexually abused a 10-year-old girl. The abuse occurred while he was living with his girlfriend in Murcia, after he completed a prison sentence and moved to the family home. The perpetrator had a history of prior criminal activity, including drug trafficking, and had been released from prison just before these events began. He was housed in the regional capital at the time when a nationwide lockdown related to the coronavirus pandemic began to impact daily life in Spain.
Two daughters of the woman involved lived in the same home. According to the court documents, the 10-year-old victim was touched on multiple occasions, including the groin area, chest, and hips, under clothing, and the acts occurred even when the mother was nearby in other rooms. This pattern of contact spanned several months, creating a climate of fear and secrecy for the child.
a coherent story
In October 2020 the child disclosed the abuse to family members. The mother, alarmed by the information, reported the case to the police. National Police officers arrested the suspect the following day and he was released only after formal processing, which included a restraining order. After initial proceedings in the Guard Court, the matter proceeded to trial and, in March 2023, the Murcia County Court sentenced him to five and a half years in prison for ongoing sexual abuse of a minor under 16. The court also ordered compensation of 8,000 euros for moral damages to the victim.
The defendant challenged the verdict at the Murcia High Court of Justice, but the appeal was dismissed. The court found the testimony of the victim to be consistent, coherent, and credible, with no contradictions in both the investigative phase and the plenary session. The minor described repeated touching under clothing and hugging in ways that left a lasting impression on the family and investigators.
The court highlighted the consistency and internal coherence of the minor’s testimony, supported by statements from the mother and psychological evaluations. The expert assessments reviewed showed the victim had benefited from professional psychological support and ongoing therapy. Although the Forensic Medicine Institute reported that the minor did not exhibit immediate post-traumatic sequelae, the court noted that the therapy and the protective environment around the child contributed to her ability to speak about the abuse and seek help.
In the court’s view, the defendant’s conduct represented a grave violation of the minor’s rights and caused significant emotional distress. The decision emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children from sexual exploitation and the role of families and authorities in ensuring timely reporting and accountability. The ruling also reflects the long-term impact such acts can have on a young person, including the need for continued psychological support and monitoring to promote recovery and resilience.
As the case proceeded through the Spanish judicial system, prosecutors and defense teams noted the implications for future cases involving similar circumstances. The court’s findings stress the necessity of credible testimony, thorough investigation, and the corroboration of claims by professionals who engage with the victim and family members over time. The outcome reinforces the principle that protecting minors from sexual abuse is a paramount concern in the judicial process and public safety, with appropriate sanctions and support channels available to victims and witnesses.
Experts in child psychology and social services have highlighted the value of early intervention, ongoing counseling, and community awareness to prevent abuse. The case serves as a reminder that adult behavior around children must be carefully monitored, and any signs of inappropriate conduct must be addressed promptly by authorities. The work of the police, prosecutors, and mental health professionals in this matter demonstrates a coordinated approach to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice is served for victims and their families.