A German man is standing trial in Spain accused of deliberately pushing a British tourist to his death from the top of a shopping centre in Lanzarote. The incident occurred in the popular holiday resort of Costa Teguise in May 2023.
The victim, identified only by his initials TCJ, suffered serious injuries and later died in hospital. The 59-year-old defendant denies responsibility, claiming he acted in self-defence after being attacked by the Brit and another man. He also argues that the shopping centre is to blame for a lack of security measures.
The trial, now under way, is expected to continue into next week. The defence has requested either an acquittal or a sentence of just two years for reckless homicide, arguing that mitigating circumstances apply. If intent is proven, they propose a sentence of two years and six months.
However, the prosecution is seeking a 12-year prison term, while the victim's family is pushing for the maximum of 15 years for homicide. Both parties are also demanding €120,000 in civil liability. The prosecutor stated that the death 'was not the result of bad luck or chance' and that the British victim 'was not a drunkard, nor did he want to attack the accused'.
The defence maintains that the defendant is a normal person with no criminal record and plans to show a video of the incident in court. They claim his intention was only to invite the victim for a drink, but he was assaulted by the deceased and another British man, leading to his reaction.
