British Helicopter Pilot Receives Maximum Sentence for Spanish Murder
A British helicopter pilot has been handed a 20-year prison sentence in Spain for murdering a man he had arranged to meet for a drug-fuelled weekend. Aaron Rainbow, 50, originally from Surrey, was convicted of violently and intentionally stabbing 38-year-old Oscar Tornero Rovira six times in different parts of his body.
The Fatal Encounter and Violent Outcome
The incident occurred in October 2023 at Mr Tornero Rovira's home in Vallgorguina, near Barcelona. The court heard that both men had consumed crystal meth and GHB before the attack turned deadly. Rainbow claimed he acted in self-defence, telling the nine-strong jury he became confused and paranoid, fearing the encounter was being live-streamed and that strangers were waiting outside to assault him.
He testified that his 'fight or flight' instinct kicked in, leading him to retrieve a knife from the kitchen for protection. Despite his claims, a neighbour reported hearing the British man shout 'I'll f**king kill you' during the altercation. The victim, who also worked in a fashion store and as an escort, attempted to flee by jumping from a height but collapsed and died from his injuries.
Court Proceedings and Final Ruling
After a three-week trial, the jury reached an 8-1 majority verdict against Rainbow. Trial judge Carmen Sucias Rodriguez confirmed the punishment in an 87-page ruling, imposing the maximum penalty under Spanish law by refusing to consider drug use as a mitigating factor. The judge also ordered Rainbow to pay nearly £470,000 in compensation to Oscar's family and former partner.
State prosecutor Felix Martin had increased the prison demand from 19 to 20 years following the jury verdict. Rainbow's defence lawyer, Pedro Javier Gomez Martinez, had requested acquittal, arguing temporary insanity and insurmountable fear due to drug intoxication.
Family Reactions and Unanswered Questions
Rainbow's family had previously compared the case to a 'Netflix thriller', alleging Spanish police failed to properly investigate electronic devices they claimed could support his fears of being watched. His brother Dan, from Weybridge, Surrey, maintained that Aaron had acted in self-defence when he believed people were about to enter the property.
The two years Rainbow has already spent in prison on remand will count toward his eventual release date. This case highlights the severe consequences British nationals can face for serious crimes committed overseas.
