Married Irish National Charged Over Hotel Spa Incident
A 38-year-old married Irish woman, originally from Brazil and residing in County Cork, has been formally charged in relation to the alleged sexual assault of an 18-year-old Swedish tourist at the four-star Hotel Martinique in Magaluf. The incident, which occurred on June 3, has led prosecutors to request an 18-month prison sentence if she is convicted.
The Allegations in the Turkish Steam Bath
According to a three-page indictment, the events unfolded around 6pm. The woman and the young man had shared a sauna, where she reportedly struck up a conversation, before she took a dip in the hotel pool. She then followed him into the Turkish steam bath. The legal document states that she sat beside him and, "with a lustful spirit, taking advantage of the fact that no one else was there and against his will, put her hands on his genitals and fondled them." The encounter only ceased when the Swedish man repeatedly said "No, no, no" and left the area.
The alleged victim, who was said to be visibly upset, alerted hotel staff who subsequently contacted the police. The Irish woman was with her husband when officers arrived and arrested her. She spent one night in a police cell before an investigating magistrate released her on bail, permitting her to return to Ireland while the criminal probe continues.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences
Public prosecutors have now formally set out their case. In addition to the 18-month jail term, they are seeking a further two-year ban from working with minors beyond any sentence imposed. The accused could also be ordered to pay court costs and £440 in compensation to the Swedish man.
Well-placed sources indicate that after her arrest, the woman initially denied the allegations to police but later confessed in court to touching the man's genitals. She claimed it was a "misunderstanding" and that she believed he was interested in her following their small talk. This admission, however, is not referenced in the prosecution's indictment.
Her lawyer, Joan Arbos, a well-known Palma-based attorney, had previously stated his intention to seek the discontinuation of the case, arguing he "didn't consider a crime had taken place." The possibility of a pre-trial hearing to explore a plea bargain has not been ruled out. Two police officers, the alleged victim, and the accused are expected to testify. No trial date has been set.
It is noteworthy that under Spanish law, prison sentences of two years or less are typically suspended for individuals with no prior criminal record.
