British Woman, 73, Raped, Beaten and Robbed in Tenerife Horror Attack

A 73-year-old British woman was raped, beaten and robbed in her holiday apartment in Tenerife in May 2018, leading to a nine-year prison sentence for her attacker and her tragic death seven months later.

The Attack in Arona, Tenerife

The woman, who suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), was targeted by a 32-year-old man who scaled a six-foot wall to break into her flat in the resort of Arona in southern Tenerife. He threatened her before subjecting her to a horrific two-hour ordeal, during which he stole money, jewellery, and keys.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

The offence took place in May 2018 but was only openly reported after the perpetrator was convicted in a trial that shocked the island. The culprit was caught out by DNA evidence and CCTV recordings, which the victim recognised. He has now been jailed for nine years.

The Victim’s Death and Aftermath

Tragically, the woman died in January 2019, some seven months after the attack, but not before giving evidence to investigators. Medical reports showed she suffered extensive wounds, and clinicians confirmed the DNA evidence as credible despite defence claims that it was only a “peripheral element.” One expert stated: “It is a trillion times more likely that the DNA belongs to the accused than to any other person.”

Background and Context

The woman enjoyed spending long periods in Tenerife to escape the British weather and had an apartment in the southern resort of Arona. She told police the man attacked her relentlessly and only stopped when she gave him the code to a safe containing valuables. She added the man showed no sign of being under the influence of drink or drugs.

Medical Context and Health Impact

The victim was hospitalised in Santa Cruz, and whereas her death was not linked to the attack, her daughter testified that her health worsened following the brutal assault.

Key Takeaways

• The attack occurred in May 2018 in Arona, southern Tenerife.
• The perpetrator, a 32-year-old man, was sentenced to nine years in prison based on DNA and CCTV evidence.
• The victim, a 73-year-old British woman with COPD, died seven months after the attack in January 2019.
• The case highlighted the vulnerability of elderly tourists and the importance of forensic evidence in securing convictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the attack accept place?

The attack occurred in the resort of Arona in southern Tenerife, Canary Islands.

How was the attacker identified and convicted?

The attacker was identified through DNA evidence and CCTV recordings, which the victim recognised, leading to a nine-year prison sentence.

What was the victim’s condition before and after the attack?

The victim suffered from COPD and was hospitalised in Santa Cruz following the attack. Her health worsened after the assault, and she died seven months later in January 2019, though her death was not directly linked to the attack.