Kathryn Richardson (Reporter)
A CORRUPT ex-mayor has escaped prison after being convicted of approving an illegal building licence.
The former mayor of Canillas de Aceituno, Jose Manuel Aranda, accepted a €3,600 fine and a ten-year ban from office instead of the suggested four-year prison sentence.
Aranda was joined in the dock by six of his fellow councillors, including the present mayor, Pilar Ortiz, who also voted in favour of the plans.
All six were let-off in the trial which lasted only minutes.
The original application for a licence was made in September 2005 by an individual who wanted to build a house on land classified as undeveloped.
The court heard how Aranda granted planning permission in December 2006 despite the municipal architect issuing a negative report of the plan.
Aranda’s lawyer, Jose Carlos Aguilera, said the deal was reached with the prosecution who agreed to withdraw the accusation.
The former mayor resigned after he was charged in 2011 and has three other lawsuits pending against him.
Beyond belief. Why not become a politician and abuse your position if this is the worst that can happen?
Fined 3,600. How much did he get for authorising it in the first place ?
Clearly Rajoy’s huffing and puffing (today, canal 24 horas) about stamping out corruption, when it cascades down to the judiciary is translated into a zero deterrant value. €3,600 is just pocket money to these people.
This is Spanish justice?????
yes it is ….. if your spanish , now try it if your a brit
Unfortuanately this is my license they are talking about…and he received nothing from me I assure you all…in the hands of my solicitors!!