An individual is scheduled to face trial next Tuesday, 19 May, at the Audiència de Lleida, accused of kidnapping, raping, and assaulting a woman in November 2023. The Public Prosecutor's Office is seeking a sentence of 24 years and 8 months in prison for illegal detention, sexual assault with penetration, injuries, and violent robbery.
According to the prosecution's indictment, the events unfolded in November 2023 when the accused reportedly saw a young woman walking along Segon Passeig de Ronda in Lleida. The man allegedly pursued her and forced her into his vehicle while she resisted. Once the victim was inside the car, the accused drove towards the Pardinyes neighbourhood, reportedly hitting and insulting the woman throughout the journey.
Alleged Assault and Robbery
The Public Prosecutor's Office states that the victim attempted to exit the moving vehicle, but its high speed prevented her escape. She also tried to open the car door and 'turned the steering wheel' in an effort to get away. Eventually, prosecutors claim, the accused stopped the vehicle on Camí de Granyena, where he sexually assaulted the woman, continuing to hit her.
At one point, the indictment suggests, the victim managed to get out of the vehicle and tried to call for help. However, the accused allegedly struck her, causing her to fall, and then snatched her mobile phone. The accused and the victim reportedly did not know each other prior to the incident.
Charges and Compensation Sought
The Public Prosecutor's Office considers the man responsible for four distinct crimes. They are requesting a 5-year and 8-month prison sentence for illegal detention, and an additional 15 years for sexual assault. Furthermore, prosecutors seek four years in prison for violent robbery and a fine for a minor injury offence. The prosecution also requests that the accused pay the victim €15,000 for moral damages, an additional €1,000 for physical injuries, and €150 for the stolen mobile phone.
Last year, the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's police force, recorded 253 reports of sexual assaults in the Lleida region. This averages out to nearly five known cases per week. Data from the Interior Ministry indicates these figures include sexual assaults with and without penetration, which may involve violence and intimidation, as well as sexual abuse with or without penetration. In connection with these crimes, 118 arrests were made by the Catalan police in the province. Across Catalonia as a whole, there were 4,138 reports and 1,674 arrests.
