The TSJC upholds the acquittal of the former tourism manager of Espluga de Francolí

The High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) has confirmed the sentence that acquitted the former tourism manager of Espluga de Francolí, accused of sexual assault. The decision upholds the resolution of the Provincial Court of Tarragona and dismisses the arguments presented by the prosecution, which sought to annul the proceedings.

The details of the case and the court’s ruling have sparked debate due to the TSJC’s insistence on the "implausible" elements of the victim’s account, as well as the rejection of the claim of defenselessness raised by the defense of the affected party.

The former manager’s judicial path

Initial sentence and appeal

The sentence acquitting the former manager dates from July 2024, issued by the Provincial Court of Tarragona. Nonetheless, the prosecution filed an appeal before the TSJC, which has now been dismissed, leaving the acquittal decision firm.

The civil and criminal court has maintained that there are no sufficient grounds to annul the process nor to consider that the victim’s right to defense was violated.

Key elements of the verdict

• Doubts about the account: The TSJC highlights that there are "implausible" points in the victim’s version that make it difficult to give full credibility to the accusation.
• Defenselessness dismissed: The court rejects that defenselessness was caused, contrary to what the victim’s lawyer defended.

Local reactions and implications

Context in Espluga de Francolí

The former tourism manager is a known figure in the Conca de Barberà, and the case has generated expectation and controversy in the local community. The firm sentence makes clear that the accusation does not succeed despite the controversy.

Neighbors and tourism sector agents continue to follow the outcome closely, which affects the image and internal dynamics of the municipal tourism office.

Impact on future complaints

The TSJC’s resolution may set a precedent in similar cases in the comarca, especially because of the criterion adopted regarding the assessment of accounts and evidence in sexual assault proceedings.

The debate on victim protection and the presumption of innocence remains open in Catalan society, particularly in small and closely connected areas like Espluga de Francolí.

Details of the trial and the sentence

Official information from the court

According to sources from ACN and judicial documents consulted, the Civil and Criminal Chamber issued the resolution after thoroughly examining the arguments of all parties involved. The final decision preserves the integrity of the original criminal process.

The court also emphasized that no procedural right has been violated, nor has any irregularity occurred that justifies reviewing or annulling the case.

Person and lawyers involved

The accused, former manager of the tourism office, was publicly tried in the Tarragona Court. The defense and the prosecutor presented their arguments, while the victim’s defense insisted on the need to review the process.

The TSJC’s sentence closes the judicial route, leaving many unanswered questions on the table for the reporting party.

But who knows, justice is a world full of surprises.

Source of the article: Arnau Martínez | ACN