A FORMER hotel waitress has been handed a one-year prison sentence after poisoning food and drink meant for guests and staff at a hotel in Benalmadena in an act of revenge triggered by the news that her contract was not being renewed.
The woman, who admitted the offences before Malaga’s Provincial Court, was convicted of an attempted crime against public health.
The court heard she struck twice in late May 2023, just days before her employment at the hotel was due to end.
READ MORE: Three Benalmadena beaches reopen after bathers hit by mystery skin reactions – but two remain shut
The first incident came on the morning of May 26, when the waitress tampered with a milk bottle in the bar area and poured in sodium hypochlorite — ordinary household bleach.
Given the hour, this attack was targeted at hotel staff, not guests.
Five days later, on May 31, she struck again. At around 9pm, with just hours left before her contract officially expired on June 1, she headed to the dessert section of the hotel buffet.
There, she tipped a glass of bleach over a tray of prepared food laid out for guests — including yoghurt, pineapple and watermelon.
The plot was foiled before anyone fell ill. Several guests caught the waitress in the act as she handled the food and immediately raised the alarm, ensuring nobody consumed the poisoned food.
The case never reached a full trial after prosecutors and the woman’s defence struck a deal.
READ MORE: Costa del Sol town clears squatter camp for second time this summer
She admitted the offences in full and accepted the one-year sentence, which also carries a ban on standing for public office for the same period and an order to pay court costs.
The court has, however, suspended the prison term for two years, as the woman has no criminal record and the sentence is under two years.
The reprieve is conditional on her not reoffending in that time — if she does, she could lose the benefit and be made to serve the full year behind bars.
Click here to read more Crime & Law News from The Olive Press.
