Advertisement

Brazil star Robinho sentenced for rape

An Italian court has sentenced former Brazil and AC Milan forward Robinho in absentia to nine years in prison after convicting him of taking part in a gang rape of an Albanian woman in 2013.

Nov 24, 2017, updated Nov 24, 2017
Robson de Souza, more commonly known as Robinho, has declared he will appeal after being sentenced to nine years in prison for rape. Photo: Dave Thompson / PA Wire

Robson de Souza, more commonly known as Robinho, has declared he will appeal after being sentenced to nine years in prison for rape. Photo: Dave Thompson / PA Wire

A Milan court ruled that Robinho and five other Brazilians assaulted the woman, who was 22 at the time, after plying her with alcohol in a nightclub.

The whereabouts of Robinho’s five companions is not known, so their trial has been put on hold.

Robinho, who also played for Real Madrid and Manchester City, is currently with Atletico Mineiro in Brazil pleaded not guilty via his lawyer and never appeared at any of the court hearings involving his case.

The Brazilian soccer star has a right to two appeals and Italy would only launch extradition proceedings if and when he receives a definitive verdict, a legal source said.

However, Brazil does not allow for the extradition of its own citizens, meaning he would only risk arrest and deportation if he was stopped in a third country.

“We would like to clarify that he has already defended himself against the accusations, affirming that he did not participate in the episode,” said a statement posted on Robinho’s Instagram feed.

“All legal measures are being taken.”

The Milan court ordered the victim to receive 60,000 euros ($A93,600) as compensation for her suffering.

Robinho, who also played for Real Madrid and Manchester City, has made 100 appearances for the Brazil national team.

-Reuters

Local News Matters
Advertisement
Copyright © 2024 InDaily.
All rights reserved.