The Provincial Court of Las Palmas has confirmed severe penalties for two residents of Gran Canaria, a couple who were found guilty of sexual abuse involving their two daughters, aged 4 and 5 years old , for the elaboration of child pornography . The case came to light in mid-June following the father’s confession amidst evidence from numerous recordings. The Prosecutor’s Office initially sought a total of 42 years in prison for the couple.
On June 30, the Court affirmed the sentences: 36 years for the father and 32 years for the mother , detailing how they committed their crimes from October 2019 to June 2022 by recording video abuses. The father is the biological parent of one daughter, while the mother is the parent of the other.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized crucial evidence in the form of audiovisual material stored on various technological devices belonging to the defendants. This included two mobile phones, three hard drives, and a USB memory stick . Disturbingly, their devices contained over 200 pornographic files , not limited to images of the children.
The court detailed testimonies depicting the horrifying acts committed against the minors. According to the evidence, “the defendant, at his home on the island of Gran Canaria, from October 2019 until early June 2022, acted upon his sexual attraction to minor girls by maintaining sexual relations with his youngest daughter repeatedly.” Shocking accounts indicate that on at least one occasion, the accused mother was complicit, participating in abusive acts against her daughter.
The ruling emphasizes that the acts committed by the defendants represent a grave attack on the sexual freedom of the minors, who lacked the ability to give consent due to their young ages. The court recognized the utter depravity of the actions, condemning them as unequivocally abusive.
In terms of civil liability , the court mandated compensation of 100,000 euros for each minor , with the father bearing a larger responsibility. Additionally, he is required to pay 5,000 euros for damages caused to the mother of one of the victims.
Beyond the prison sentences, the court imposed further measures to protect the victims’ wellbeing. This includes deprivation of parental rights , an absolute disqualification from roles involving minors, and a 10-year prohibition against approaching or communicating with the victims. Moreover, they must serve a decade under supervision upon completing their prison sentences.
Initially facing potential sentences totaling 42 years , the father’s confession led to a reduction of his punishment to 36 years , whereas the mother’s was set at 32 years . Key aspects of their sentences included two eleven-year sentences for rape and two seven-year sentences for child pornography . The gravity of these crimes cannot be overstated, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive care for victims of sexual violence.
In a society striving to protect its children, the chilling details of this case underline the importance of stringent laws and enforceable measures to safeguard minors from such heinous acts. As communities rally to support victims and demand justice, this case stands as a somber reminder of the vigilance needed in protecting the most vulnerable among us.