A man has been jailed over the alleged rape of a woman in Sabinillas.
The victim told the Guardia Civil how she woke up in a semi-conscious state with bruises on her body.
She sought medical attention after finding injuries consistent with a sexual assault, and being unable to remember what happened.
The suspect, who is a local resident, was taken into custody by Guardia Civil officers and later sent to prison by order of a judge.
Sabinillas is around a 10-minute drive west of Estepona and is hugely popular with the British expat community.
The investigation began in April after the woman contacted officers from the Guardia Civil’s Main Post in Manilva.
The case was subsequently taken over by specialist officers from the EMUME unit, which focuses on crimes involving women and minors.
Investigators provided support to the victim and collected evidence that allegedly pointed to a non-consensual sexual encounter carried out while the woman was in a particularly vulnerable condition.
As enquiries progressed, officers were able to identify a suspect.
According to the Guardia Civil, the man also threatened to kill witnesses in an attempt to prevent them from cooperating with the investigation.
After gathering sufficient evidence, officers arrested the suspect on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats.
He was brought before a judge, who ordered his imprisonment while the investigation continues.
No further details have been released and the case remains under investigation.
