Accused of sexually assaulting a young woman in the Sutton nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022, Dani Alves was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison.

Dani Alves’ life has been turned upside down since January 20, 2023, when he was incarcerated, following an accusation of rape made by a young woman aged 23 at the time of the facts. The latter told her friends, the police, and the court the same version from the beginning. She was lured into the toilets of the nightclub by Dani Alves, who then allegedly abused her. The Brazilian, aged 40, has delivered 5 different versions since his first audition.

The version presented to the court was as follows: after a drunken evening, he went to the nightclub with a friend, invited the future complainant and her friends to his table, and had consensual sexual relations with her. A version which was undermined by the images visible at the exit of the nightclub and by certain testimonies. The trial took place in Barcelona, and the verdict was expected this Thursday.

A rather lenient verdict

The prosecution demanded 9 years in prison, 150,000 euros in compensation for the victim and 10 years of supervised release for an offense of sexual assault. The plaintiff’s lawyer, for her part, requested the maximum sentence provided for this type of case: 12 years in prison. The verdict turned out to be more lenient: 4 years and 6 months in prison for the Brazilian. In addition, Dani Alves must compensate the victim to the tune of 150,000 euros. Finally, a 9-year restraining order and 5 years of supervised release were imposed on him.

In announcing the sentence, the Court explained that the victim’s consent had not been accepted by the Court. The former FC Barcelona right side is therefore doing relatively well, with a prison sentence half as long as that recommended by the prosecution. Both parties can also appeal the sentence.