Man accused of rape at Albacete residential home faces trial at Provincial Court
A man under guardianship of the Castilla-La Mancha regional government is facing trial for an alleged sexual assault on a young woman with a disability at a residential home in Albacete in 2022. The Public Prosecutor's Office is seeking a seven-year prison sentence.
Trial for sexual assault at care facility in Albacete
The Provincial Court of Albacete is trying a case of alleged rape against a resident of a centre dedicated to caring for people with intellectual disabilities. According to ABC, the events occurred during the early morning hours of 5 June 2022 at the residential home in Albacete.
The accused, under guardianship of the Castilla-La Mancha regional government and cared for by the Futucam Foundation, was declared judicially incapable of managing his own affairs. The victim, 23 years old at the time of the events, had an intellectual disability that limited her autonomy.
According to the Public Prosecutor's written indictment, the man entered the young woman's bedroom whilst she was asleep and carried out unwanted touching and digital penetration without her consent. The prosecution argues that he was aware of his actions.
The Public Prosecutor's Office is seeking a sentence of seven years' imprisonment, a restraining order preventing contact with the victim for fifteen years, and eight years of supervised release after completion of the sentence. It is also seeking twelve years of special disqualification from activities involving regular and direct contact with minors.
Vox demands political accountability
Regional parliamentary member for Vox Francisco Cobo has demanded explanations from the Castilla-La Mancha government regarding surveillance and security protocols at care facilities. Cobo has called for political accountability from the regional president, Emiliano García-Page.
"A man under guardianship of the regional government allegedly attacked another resident with a disability inside a facility where she was supposed to be safe," Cobo said. He has requested clarification on what supervision measures were in place at the residential home and whether protection protocols were adequate.
Cobo has pointed to deficiencies in care for people with intellectual disabilities in the region, citing staff shortages, overcrowding and management problems as factors that worsen the vulnerability of residents. "The first obligation of a government is to protect those who cannot protect themselves," he stated.
The Vox representative has also questioned the circumstances under which the accused was admitted to the facility and has asked about planned measures to prevent similar incidents occurring. Vox is demanding that the regional government review the protection measures in place at its care facilities for people with disabilities.
Source: ABC