Barcelona couple jailed for alleged sexual assault and abuse of one-month-old baby

The infant is hospitalized with severe injuries while regional authorities have taken over legal guardianship.

Generic image of a hospital building with police emergency lights in the foreground.
IA

Generic image of a hospital building with police emergency lights in the foreground.

A Barcelona court has ordered the immediate imprisonment of a 42-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman following allegations of severe physical abuse and sexual assault against their six-week-old son.

The investigation began after a local hospital notified the Mossos d'Esquadra police force about a newborn admitted with 'very serious' injuries. According to the High Court of Justice of Catalonia, the parents face charges of habitual mistreatment, aggravated assault, and sexual penetration.
The Barcelona Prosecutor's Office argued for pre-trial detention due to the severity of the potential sentences, which could reach 15 years in prison. The judge also cited a flight risk and the possibility of reoffending as reasons for the no-bail order.
The child is currently under the care of the Generalitat's child protection services. Authorities confirmed that while the injuries are significant, the baby's life is not currently in danger. Police are now investigating if there were any prior reports of domestic violence involving the couple.