Attempted manslaughter of Alejandro Valverde, suspect faces 15 years in prison

A bizarre story from Spain: a former officer of the Guardia Civil is currently on trial for attempted manslaughter against former top cyclist Alejandro Valverde. The Public Prosecutor is demanding a prison sentence of fifteen years and three months, according to AS, among others.

The hearing convened by the provincial court of Murcia to try to reach a settlement in the case ended without an agreement. In its preliminary conclusions, the Public Prosecutor states that the events took place in July 2022 on a public road in Murcia.

The defendant—a retired officer of the Guardia Civil (Spain’s national police force)—is accused of hitting Valverde and another member of a group of cyclists with his car. This followed a confrontation with the rider after Valverde had overtaken the driver.

The Public Prosecutor demands a prison sentence of fifteen years and three months for the defendant on two charges: attempted murder and reckless driving. As a result of the collision, the current national coach of the Spanish cycling team sustained injuries that required thirty days of recovery. His companion, who was also hit, had to undergo rehabilitation for over a year.

Lawyer: "There was never any intent to kill"
In a statement to the EFE news agency, Eduardo Romera—the defendant’s lawyer—expressed his dissatisfaction with the prosecutor’s interpretation of the events. According to the lawyer, this is not a case of attempted manslaughter.

Romera maintains that there was never any intent to kill and that the incidents amount to two cases of assault. The lawyer added that his client is committed to reaching a settlement and that talks will resume soon.