Two Spanish teenagers who punched, bit and threw rocks and bricks at a Royal Gibraltar Police officer, received a conditional discharge in the Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday 6 September).

The two 14-year-olds, from Fuengirola and Mijas, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had entered Gibraltar illegally by scaling the fence at Western Beach at around 2.30pm last Tuesday (5 September).

Once on the beach, a plain clothes RGP officer, who identified himself as police, stopped and challenged the teenagers.

One immediately ran off, whilst the other punched the officer in the face. The officer detained the teenager who punched him by placing him in an arm lock on the ground.

Whilst waiting for backup, the second teenager punched the officer, before throwing rocks and bricks at him. Meanwhile the first teenager, bit the officer on the hand.

Gibraltar Defence Police officers arrived a few minutes later at the beach and helped the RGP officer, who had several minor injuries.

The two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of Entering Gibraltar Other Than Through an Immigration Port and Assault on Police. Once at New Mole House, one of the defendants was arrested for Assault to Prevent Arrest. 

Both were charged and spent the night at New Mole House before their court appearance.

At the Magistrates’ Court yesterday, the teenagers pleaded guilty to all offences. They were given a conditional discharge of 12 months for the assaults, and time served for the entering Gibraltar illegally.

A conditional discharge means the offender is released and the offence registered on their criminal record. No further action is taken unless they commit a further offence within the time limit specified by the court.