Dani Alves' Trial: Can a Drink Ticket and a Call Save Him from a 9-Year Prison Sentence?
Joana Sanz's Testimony and Alves' Intoxication Defense Add Intrigue to the Upcoming Trial
Since January 20, Dani Alves, the once celebrated football star, has been held in Brians 2 prison, accused of sexually assaulting a 23-year-old woman at the Sutton nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022. With his trial scheduled from February 5 to 7 at the Barcelona Court, Alves and his legal team are diligently preparing their defense strategy.
Alleging that he was under the influence of alcohol that night, Alves contends that he was not fully aware of his actions. Close sources to the Brazilian player affirm that his defense aims for acquittal, firmly believing in his innocence. According to 'El Periódico de Catalunya,' Alves' lawyers intend to present intoxication as a mitigating circumstance during the trial. Additionally, they have already deposited 150,000 euros with the court, as ordered by the investigating magistrate, potentially for compensation to the victim. Before the court, Alves will assert that his relations with the alleged victim were consensual and further argue the influence of alcohol as a mitigating factor.
However, Alves' defense strategy has faced significant challenges due to multiple changes in his version of events. This marks the fifth account of what transpired on the night of December 30, with this being the first time that Alves has claimed excessive alcohol consumption as a contributing factor.
Initially, the former footballer claimed to be unfamiliar with the woman in question (1). However, subsequent evidence from the Mossos d'Esquadra investigation prompted him to revise his statement (2), asserting that he had encountered her in the bathroom and that any sexual contact was consensual (3). His narrative then expanded to include claims of consensual relations (4), and now, Alves states that sexual intercourse occurred, but he was impaired due to intoxication (5).
These contradictory accounts have done little to bolster Alves' defense against the charges of sexual assault. The prosecution, represented by lawyer Ester García, seeks a 9-year prison sentence, while the private prosecution demands the maximum penalty of 12 years.
Alves' lawyer, Inés Guardiola, continues to assert his client's presumption of innocence, advocating for acquittal and presenting alternative arguments to establish his exoneration. By highlighting the mitigating influence of intoxication, Guardiola aims to keep the possibility of a minimal prison sentence on the table.
The inclusion of intoxication as a mitigating factor may play a crucial role in the trial, potentially influencing the severity of the criminal sanction Alves could receive. However, the inconsistent narrative delivered by Alves throughout the investigation poses a significant challenge to his defense.
Adding further intrigue to the trial is the role of model Joana Sanz, whom Alves' defense has proposed as a key witness. The defense seeks to explore whether the accused regularly struggled with alcohol-related issues. Additionally, they want to determine if Alves had communicated with Sanz, via telephone, during his time in provisional prison, confessing to his drunken state and claiming lack of recollection for the events of that night. The court granted this request, making Sanz's appearance mandatory during the trial proceedings, beginning on February 5. Alongside Sanz's potential testimony, Alves has also provided a consumption ticket as evidence of his alcohol intake.
This high-profile trial has captivated football fans worldwide, engaging them in the drama and uncertainty surrounding one of the sport's iconic figures. As the trial unfolds, the outcome remains uncertain. Will the combination of a drink ticket, a phone call, and intoxication defense be enough to save Alves from a potential 9-year prison sentence? Stay tuned for updates on this gripping legal battle that could determine the course of Alves' future.
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