Volleyball coach receives 8½-year prison term for sexual assault of minor in Gran Canaria

The Audiencia Provincial de Las Palmas in Gran Canaria sentenced a Portuguese volleyball coach, identified by the initials Rubén Miguel S.F., to eight years and six months in prison for a series of sexual assaults with penetration on a 16‑year‑old player. The offenses were carried out between January and June 2022 while the coach was responsible for the minor, who lived alone on the island and depended on him for sports and personal support.

In addition to imprisonment, the court imposed nine years of supervised liberty, a ten‑year ban on exercising parental authority, custody or guardianship, and a fifteen‑year prohibition on any profession or activity involving regular contact with minors. The victim was awarded €15,000 in compensation, and the coach must stay at least 500 metres away from her and refrain from any communication for fifteen years. Forensic reports indicating post‑traumatic stress and moderate anxiety were taken into account when determining civil liability. The verdict is not yet final and can be appealed to the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Canarias.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about sexual abuse in youth sports and recent legislative measures in the Canary Islands aimed at preventing such offenses.