Former Barcelona star Dani Alves sentenced to 4 and half years in prison over nightclub sexual assault

Former Barcelona and Brazilian footballer Dani Alves has been handed a prison sentence of four and a half years after being convicted of sexual assault, a Sky News report.

The prominent right-back, known for his successful career, was found guilty by Catalonia's top court for sexually assaulting a woman in an upscale Barcelona nightclub on New Year's Eve in December 2022.

Per the report, the victim alleged that Alves had raped her in a bathroom after they had danced together at the nightclub.

The court further ordered Alves to pay 150,000 euros (£128,479.50) in compensation to the victim.

Since his arrest in January 2023, the 40-year-old footballer has been detained, with his requests for bail repeatedly denied due to concerns that he may flee.

The Brazilian Federal Constitution protects its citizens from extradition.

During the trial, the victim testified that after she expressed her desire to leave, Alves prevented her from doing so, slapped her, insulted her, and forced her into non-consensual sexual relations.

In his defense, Alves vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting, "I am not that kind of man."

Initially, Alves refuted any sexual contact with the victim while in custody, but he later admitted to engaging in sexual relations, claiming they were consensual. He explained that he had initially lied to protect his marriage.

Throughout the trial, Alves' defense argued that he was intoxicated at the time of the incident. State prosecutors sought a nine-year prison sentence, while the victim's lawyers requested a 12-year sentence for Alves.

Alves' defense team requested his acquittal, but alternatively, they proposed a one-year sentence along with 50,000 euros (£42,765) in compensation for the victim.

It is important to note that the court's decision can be appealed. The state prosecutor's office has stated that it will review the verdict and determine whether an appeal is warranted.

In October 2022, Spain implemented new legislation known as the "only yes means yes" law, which redefined sexual consent as the pivotal factor in assault cases.

The reform aimed to classify all non-consensual sexual acts as rape within the criminal code.