The Territorial Military Court has imposed a sentence of eleven months in prison on a legionary stationed at the 'King Alfonso XIII' Brigade of the Legion of Almería for insulting, hitting, and subsequently threatening a sergeant with whom he had a confrontation, fearing that the latter would inform his superiors of what had happened.
The sentence, consulted by Europa Press and now final after the accused admitted the facts, sets a sentence of five months in prison for a crime of insulting a superior in conjunction with a crime of assault, and an additional six months for a crime of insult in the form of threats to a superior.
In addition, his suspension from military employment or position is agreed for the same period as the custodial sentence, along with a fine of 15 days at a rate of four euros per day, as well as the payment of compensation of 3,500 euros to the assaulted sergeant.
According to the ruling, the events occurred around 10:00 PM on September 15, 2023, when the legionary, accompanied by other personnel, was collaborating with a sergeant in the dismantling and collection of modular tents set up for a children's snack.
In the course of these tasks, the soldier addressed the sergeant, using the informal "tú," which prompted the intervention of another non-commissioned officer present to reprimand him for not respecting the rules derived from the principle of hierarchy.
It was then that the soldier confronted the sergeant who had called his attention and blurted out "shut your mouth, you fucking dwarf," causing the non-commissioned officer to approach his position, at which point the legionary took the opportunity to deliver a strong punch to his face.
As a result of the blow, the victim fell backward, while other sergeants rushed to the scene to restrain the soldier and prevent the altercation from escalating. The non-commissioned officer suffered a contusion on his left cheekbone and a finger.
Five days later, the accused approached the same sergeant on several occasions, "skipping the official channels," with the intention of forcing a conversation.
Faced with the non-commissioned officer's refusal to grant his request, the legionary followed him to the bathroom, insisting on talking and showing a "violent attitude". Upon realizing that the victim maintained his stance, he threatened him with giving him "a beating" along with his friends in the street and with expressions such as "you are a snitch because you want to report me" or "if you take me to court, let's see who wins, you or me, because I'm going to say that you hit me to ruin your life".
Before the oral hearing, the soldier deposited 3,200 euros into the court's account to cover the civil liability arising from the injuries and moral damages caused, in addition to depositing 300 euros as bail.