A cruise ship in the port of Valencia, Spain. Photo / Getty Images
A cruise ship in the port of Valencia, Spain. Photo / Getty Images
The family of a British teenager has accused a man of rape while they were on a cruise holiday – but the judge has been forced to release the suspect, claiming he was unable to make a ruling on a crime committed in international waters.
The Sun reported the unnamed17-year-old claimed she was attacked in her cabin aboard the Panamanian registered ship.
An 18-year-old Italian man was arrested in connection with the incident, and taken to a Spanish court in Valencia.
However he was later released because the judge said the incident had happened outside of his court's jurisdiction.
Local newspaper Levante-EMV explained it was Spanish law said the judge was forced to let the accused go free due to the involvement of two foreign nationals on a Panamanian vessel, which was at the time in international waters.
It is hoped the court will now appeal to law enforcers in Panama, Italy and the UK – the nationalities of the ship, the defendant and complainant – a to take up the trial.
According to The Sun, the incident took place at 5am on Thursday 11th, in the Baleariac Sea on passage between Palma to Valencia.
'Ciutat Justicia, Valencia': City of Justice court in Valencia, Spain. Photo / Pablo Blazquez Dominguez, Getty Images
The whereabouts of the suspect is currently unknown, and he is believed to have been released after the trial was abandoned.
