Following claims about harms to the victim, a statement was delivered in tears held behind a screen. The woman said she feared going outside, feared being caught, and felt self-disgust. She is being cared for in Oliva. The defendant disputed the allegations at yesterday’s court session, facing a potential ten-year prison sentence. The case is being examined by the Provincial Court of Valencia. In an attempt to explain the injuries shown by the victim’s caregiver, the defense suggested that the man had massaged her from neck to feet, a gesture he likened to something he once did for his mother.
The man described his version of events as they occurred on the night in question, the early hours of September 5, 2020. He affirmed that a sexual encounter took place after the massage, but claimed there was no penetration. He also denied grabbing the woman or threatening her with death should she reveal anything. The defendant noted that she had been hired as an intern for a month after he posted an advertisement on Wallapop. He offered vague explanations, describing himself as someone who was uneducated and simple-minded, a portrayal he said was relevant to the situation.
By contrast, the victim provided a detailed account of that night, highlighting a sequence of troubling events. She recalled a coffee incident that led to a mess that had to be cleaned up late into the night. After showering, she emerged with a towel and observed the man, who she described as naked and in her space. Despite requests for him to leave the room, she said he grabbed her by the hair and coerced her into oral sex, indicating she had no choice but to comply. She reported finger intrusion into her intimate areas and the fear that accompanied threats to kill her, with the man allegedly insisting that the incident remain secret between them.
The victim described trying to escape and finding herself in a setting where everything seemed turned off, including her access to her phone and keys. She recalled an attempt to flee, only to realize there was no obvious way out. She later heard a remark attributed to the older woman present, suggesting that the sexual assault had begun again. The emotional impact was profound, with the victim describing ongoing distress and a long-term sense of entrapment.
In a separate statement, the victim expressed a stark sense of confinement in recent times. She described living as if in a personal prison, with fear of leaving home or venturing into ordinary errands such as grocery shopping. The period following the incident has been marked by significant psychological strain and episodes of self-harm, including two suicide attempts. The victim conveyed the severity of her anxiety and fear of a repeat assault, underscoring how the trauma continues to affect daily life.
During the hearing, the defense team, led by attorney Alberto Gil, referenced messages that allegedly show the victim communicating with the defendant’s brother during a time when she reportedly lacked access to her phone. The defense used these messages to cast doubt on the integrity of the victim’s statements. The prosecution countered that one message was denied by the victim, while another appeared to predate the reported sexual assault. The court must weigh the authenticity and context of these communications as part of the broader assessment of the case. (Source: Provincial Court Valencia)
As the proceedings progress, both sides continue to present evidence and testimony aimed at clarifying what happened on that night and how the subsequent events unfolded. The court is charged with determining the facts and issuing a verdict that addresses the allegations, the defenses offered, and the impact on the victim. The case remains a focal point for discussions about consent, power dynamics, and accountability, with the potential implications reaching beyond the individuals involved. (Source: Provincial Court Valencia)