Ex mayor of Andratx gets 2 year jail sentence

A court in Palma has condemned the disgraced ex Mayor of Andratx, Eugenio Hidalgo to two years in prison, after pacting a reduced sentence with the Prosecution Counsel who had originally asked for an 8-year jail term.

Yesterday's hearing was the last of a long-drawn out case investigating a corruption scandal in Andratx which began in November 2006. It was expected that the magistrates would need to draw out proceedings until 17th September but the time was cut short when written confirmation was provided over the pact on a reduced sentence for Hidalgo.

Reduced penalties were also agreed on for constructor Manuel Zapata and Andratx's ex Inspector of Public Works, Jaume Gibert.
The ex Mayor, who in collusion with other local authority members and the constructor had arranged to have properties illegally built on rural land, will also be having to pay a fine of 9'400 euros. This is being imposed for his continually indulging in a series of what he knew to be businesses prohibited to local authority members and for having abused his position as Mayor to pervert already-established planning laws. Separately, Hidalgo will be having to pay a fine of over 31'000 euros for bribery. Hidalgo's lawyer, José Manuel Arroyo, speaking after yesterday's hearing was willing to explain that the strategy of the Defence Counsel was to seek ways to reduce the sentence being demanded by the Prosecution. Arroyo claimed that his client is receiving “the harshest penalties being imposed” in the Balearic Islands.

The main charges being levied at Hidalgo yesterday related to his having purchased land whilst still Mayor, which he gave to the constructor Zapata. The land allegedly fell under the jurisdiction of the then Planning department of Andratx town council, members of which colluded with Hidalgo.

When the land had been handed over to Zapata, he reportedly built properties on them in exchange for money which allegedly turns up in the hands of Hidalgo.

According to the testimonial presented to the court on behalf of the accused, both Zapata and Hidalgo agreed to develop their “business” and devote time and expense to the buying and selling of plots of land. The two men drew Jaume Gibert, the then inspector of public works, into their web of deceit.

To unravel the corruption case has meant judiciary dividing up examination of the offences into 76 separate inquiries, but 26 of them are still being prepared to see if formal charges need to be brought and 25 have been provisionally archived.