A German man who battered a compatriot to death with an iron bar in Nerja has been jailed.

The attack took place in September 2023 in the Barranco de Maro area, where both men had been living in nearby caves.

According to the court ruling, the defendant had been involved in ongoing disputes with the victim in what was described as a ‘hostile environment’ between neighbours.

On the day of the attack, the victim – who had reportedly consumed alcohol and drugs – passed repeatedly near the defendant’s cave with another man, shouting and tearing down tarpaulins marking his living space.

The defendant initially tried to call the Guardia Civil for help but was unable to explain the situation due to language difficulties. After failing to get assistance from a friend, he armed himself.

Wearing protective gear, including knee and elbow pads, the man confronted the two individuals when they passed by again.

An argument broke out and it quickly turned violent.

The court found that the defendant picked up an iron bar and repeatedly struck the victim in the head, face and body ‘with the intention of ending his life,’ continuing the assault until he died.

He then turned on the second man, hitting him with the same bar and attempting to stab him. The victim managed to escape.

The attacker has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for homicide plus two additional years for causing injuries to the second victim.

He has also been ordered to pay €120,000 in compensation to the victim’s mother.

The case was heard under Spain’s jury system, with a popular jury unanimously finding the defendant guilty earlier this year.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.