Pretrial detention over a sexual assault on a minor in Sant Hilari Sacalm

At Sánchez Ruiz Abogados we acted as the private prosecution (acusación particular) on behalf of the victim's family in a particularly serious case: Investigating Court No. 4 of Santa Coloma de Farners has ordered pretrial detention without bail for the suspect in a sexual assault on a 16-year-old in Sant Hilari Sacalm. The measure was granted at the request of the Public Prosecutor and our firm, after the court found "sufficient evidence" to consider him prima facie responsible for the offence.

This is a decision at the investigation stage — the suspect has denied the facts and the presumption of innocence applies until there is a final judgment — but it is a decisive step to protect the victim and safeguard the proceedings.

Source: Diari de Girona — "Presó sense fiança per a un detingut per agredir sexualment un menor de 16 anys a Sant Hilari Sacalm", 30 July 2026

The case
According to the ruling, the events took place in the early hours of 25 July 2026 at a home in Sant Hilari Sacalm, where the suspect was living with a relative of the victim. The minor, a 16-year-old boy, was sexually assaulted while asleep.

The victim attended medical and forensic services that same day — a crucial step for preserving evidence. The Mossos d'Esquadra arrested the suspect in Sant Hilari Sacalm and, after being brought before the court, he was remanded in custody.

Out of respect for the victim — a minor — and for the ongoing investigation, we do not go into the details of the facts, which are on the case file.

Our work as private prosecution
Representing the victim's family, our firm requested, in line with the Public Prosecutor, that the suspect be remanded in custody. The court agreed, ruling that there is "sufficient evidence" to consider him prima facie responsible for an offence of sexual assault with penetration on a minor under 18.

The judge also found a risk of flight: the suspect could face a sentence of between 12 and 15 years in prison and there is no record of sufficient ties to the country — two factors that Article 503 of the Criminal Procedure Act allows to be weighed when ordering pretrial detention.

The role of the private prosecution in crimes against minors
In sexual offences, and especially when the victim is a minor, the private prosecution plays an essential role. The victim and their family do not depend solely on the Public Prosecutor: with their own lawyer they can:

Drive the investigation and propose evidence.
Request precautionary measures to protect the victim, such as the suspect's pretrial detention.
Work to avoid re-victimising the minor during the process, promoting mechanisms such as pre-constituted evidence (a recorded statement so it need not be repeated at trial).
Claim civil liability arising from the offence.
Immediate medical and forensic attention — as happened here — and an active private prosecution from the outset are often what holds the entire case together.

If you or a minor in your care is the victim of a sexual assault
These are the steps that protect the victim and the case:

Seek medical attention as soon as possible, without showering or changing clothes if possible, to preserve evidence. Go to A&E or call 112.
Report to the Mossos d'Esquadra.
Request the forensic examination: it is key evidence.
Have your own lawyer and join as the private prosecution.
Seek psychological support: resources include the ANAR helpline for children and adolescents (900 20 20 10) and, for sexual violence, the confidential 016 line.
At Sánchez Ruiz Abogados we act as private prosecution on behalf of victims, including in the most sensitive cases. If you or your family are in a situation like this in Girona or the La Selva region, we can help you understand your options and protect your rights.