This piece examines a high‑profile case in which the law known as the “yes means yes” framework is at issue. A long‑standing conviction timeline shows a person remains in prison while his appeals proceed, with several cases still under review. The Valencian Court delivered a 35‑year sentence at the end of January for sexually assaulting eight female students aged 14 to 16, and the related counts are tied to ongoing legal actions in the region.
The Valencian County Court found him guilty of six counts of ongoing sexual abuse of a minor under 16, now categorized as sexual assault, along with aggravating factors linked to his position as a teacher and two counts of sexual harassment. The combined penalties produced two prison terms at five years each, plus additional terms for the harassment offenses. The total sentence stands at 35 years, and he is currently serving that time.
According to reports from the Prensa Ibérica group carried by Time Elevator, the alleged conduct followed a consistent pattern over several years. He would position himself behind female students under the guise of explaining tasks or clarifying doubts, then guide his hands to their shoulders and, at moments, move toward touching the chest while others looked on. The alleged touching occurred across multiple incidents spanning three years.
In these proceedings, Sergio TT was acquitted of one of nine harassment charges after the youngest student’s mother asked the court to suspend precautionary measures. The family initially feared coming forward, and delayed reporting for two years, as the girls did not know each other and were afraid they might not be believed.
Pedophile accused 8M
Two years after one student from the academy in the municipality of L’Horta spoke up, others followed, with the public civil guard document confirming the new testimonies. The institute, identified by authorities to protect victims, saw eight additional minors come forward, all sharing a similar account during the trial even though they did not know one another. Details included the defendant moving around a rectangular table and attacking students from behind, in ways that hid the misconduct from the rest of the group.
One survivor recalled that the abuse occurred not by accident but repeatedly, almost daily. The touching involved not just incidental contact but deliberate handling and squeezing of intimate areas, with clear awareness of his actions.
During the oral stage, the defendant denied the harassment and offered an explanation that the accusations were misinterpreted by the girls. He suggested that the case might be influenced by misread motives and postured defenses that sought to shift responsibility away from himself. The court noted the implausibility of such explanations and underscored the seriousness of the charges.
Victims will appeal
The 35‑year sentence is currently under appeal, with the Supreme Court expected to review the case next January. The review will proceed ex officio, meaning the high court may revisit the judgment regardless of whether a formal request was filed by the defense. The outcome could alter the final disposition of the case.
Private prosecutors acting on behalf of eight victims, including lawyers Amparo Vicó and Marta Soriano, have pressed the defense to apply the “yes means yes” standard to the proceedings. This approach could affect the likelihood of a reduction in penalties. The eight victims pursue a resolution that aligns with current statutory interpretations, while public prosecutors are also weighing their position against any potential reductions.