A 29-year-old Spanish man is facing 11 and a half years in prison after being accused of violently attacking two foreign men at El Mago beach in Calvia. Prosecutors say the defendant acted “motivated by animosity, hostility and rejection of the victims’ sexual orientation.” He is charged with attempted homicide and grievous bodily harm, with the aggravating factor of discrimination based on sexual orientation.
The man was arrested by the investigative unit of the Guardia Civil in Calvia and is due to stand trial next Tuesday before the Second Section of the Provincial Court in Palma.
The prosecution is seeking compensation of €18,907 for one victim, covering medical costs, psychological damage and non-refundable travel expenses, including a missed trip to Rome. A further €3,487 is being claimed for the second victim.
The court heard the first attack took place around 3pm on 29 August 2024. The accused allegedly confronted a 45-year-old foreign man near a car park at El Mago beach. He is said to have punched him in the face before repeatedly striking him on the head with a large stone. Prosecutors allege he then took a hammer from his backpack and continued the assault before fleeing.
The victim suffered a serious head injury, including a skull fracture and depression of the parietal bone. He spent six days in hospital and took around two months to recover, later developing post-traumatic stress disorder.
A second incident is alleged to have occurred on 20 September at around 1.35pm on a path between a trail and the beach. The defendant is said to have punched another man in the back of the neck while he was taking photographs with his husband, causing him to fall approximately 10 metres down a cliff.
That victim sustained head and facial injuries. Witnesses reportedly saw the attack and photographed the suspect and his vehicle as he fled. He was later arrested at his parents’ home in Marratxí. Prosecutors say both attacks amount to attempted homicide and aggravated assault, with discrimination based on sexual orientation.