The Sixth Section of the Provincial Court of Las Palmas has begun the trial against Pedro Antonio G.A., who is accused of arson in ideal conjunction with attempted murder. The Prosecutor's Office is seeking a sentence of nine and a half years in prison for the defendant, in addition to 15,000 euros in compensation for the victim for injuries and moral damages.
“"I flatly deny the facts; I was not even in the capital on the day the fire occurred."
The accused maintained that his relationship with the complainant was normal, even offering him financial help. He stated that on the weekend of the events, he was with his partner in Jinámar, from Friday until Tuesday or Wednesday. He suggested that the complaint might have an economic motive, based on what neighbors told him about the victim himself having started the fire.
For his part, the victim, currently in prison for another matter, testified that he saw Pedro Antonio after waking up to an explosion from his lighter and seeing a flame. He recounted trying to put out the fire with a refrigerator, suffering burns to his hands. He also mentioned that the accused had previously threatened him to leave the premises.
The accused's partner corroborated his alibi, stating that they were together in Jinámar during the period in question. Likewise, the current president of the building's neighborhood community, who assisted the victim at the time, testified that the victim admitted to her that he had caused the fire and was under the influence of narcotics.
Prosecutor Antonio López, after modifying the penalties, reiterated his request for nine and a half years in prison, arguing that the facts have been proven and that the victim's testimony was clear. In contrast, the defense lawyer, Jorge del Toro, requested acquittal, alleging contradictions in the victim's testimony and mentioning that he suffers from a personality disorder and takes strong medication.
