The judge of the Sixth Section of the Provincial Court of Las Palmas has released Juan Manuel Rodríguez Marín on bail, accused of sexually abusing his 14-year-old stepdaughter. His lawyer requested his release during the trial that was to be held last Wednesday, and which ended up being postponed. Now, the accused will remain free until the hearing is held, and in the meantime he has a restraining order from the minor.
The reason for the suspension of the trial was due to an appeal filed in its day by the defense against the indictment, which had not been processed. Thus, the oral hearing was postponed until the Court resolves this appeal. Given this delay, the lawyer of Juan Manuel Rodríguez Marín again requested the release of the accused, who was in pre-trial detention since August 21, 2009, and the judge has granted the request.
The news has been received as a bucket of cold water by the relatives of the alleged victim. "It is outrageous that he is on the street. Where is Justice? They give more priority to criminals than to victims. Where is my niece's pain, dignity and suffering?" asks the girl's aunt, who claims to have learned of the news a few hours ago.
"We are nervous and don't know what to do, because the girl is very affected," adds this woman, who hopes that the trial will be held as soon as possible. "May he enjoy the months of glory he has left."
A sentence of 10 years
Juan Manuel Rodríguez Marín is accused of a continuing crime of sexual abuse of his 14-year-old stepdaughter, whom he allegedly impregnated. The prosecutor is asking for a sentence of 10 years in prison and compensation for the victim of 14,000 euros for moral damages caused.
He also requests absolute disqualification during the term of the sentence and a prohibition from approaching the victim at a distance of less than 500 meters or communicating with her by any means or procedure for a period of 20 years.
According to the prosecutor's indictment, the events took place between May and July 2009, when the accused, who lived with his partner and her daughter, went to bed several times with the minor, taking advantage of the fact that the mother was not at home, subjecting her to alleged touching and even penetrating her. As a result of the events, the girl became pregnant.
