Sentence Increased in Case of Sexual Offenses Against Minors
The Supreme Court of the Basque Country (Tribunal Superior de Justicia del País Vasco, TSJPV) has decided to extend the prison sentence for a former surf instructor from Hondarribia (Gipuzkoa). The man will now spend 88 years and 5 months in prison for committing sexual offenses against eleven boys, all of whom were his students. In addition, the court found him guilty of possessing child pornography.
Initially, a lower court sentenced the defendant to 71 years and 5 months in prison. However, after appeals from the prosecution and the victims’ representatives, the region’s highest court determined that a harsher punishment was warranted. The crucial point was the recognition that the defendant’s actions involved not only physical but also emotional abuse of the children.
Reassessment of the Crimes and Recognition of Emotional Abuse
Previously, the court of first instance classified the defendant’s actions as abuse of authority and found no evidence of intimidation or threats. However, the victims’ lawyers argued that the instructor created an atmosphere of psychological pressure, using his authority and age difference to manipulate the boys. The Supreme Court agreed, emphasizing that emotional impact and psychological pressure are also forms of violence, especially against minors.
The judges emphasized that violence against children is not limited to physical assault. In this case, the accused created an environment in which the victims felt safe and trusted him, enabling him to act with impunity. This became the basis for reclassifying most incidents as more serious crimes—sexual aggression rather than mere abuse of trust.
Increased compensation and impact on victims
As a result of the case review, the court not only extended the prison sentence for the convicted individual but also ordered a 30% increase in compensation for the victims. This decision was justified by the need to acknowledge and compensate for the moral and psychological harm suffered by the minors. The judges noted that protecting children’s rights requires special attention to their physical and mental well-being.
This case has become one of the most high-profile in the region in recent years. It has reignited concerns over children’s safety in sports clubs and the importance of timely intervention in response to any signs of abuse by adults in positions of power and authority. The Supreme Court’s ruling may set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
