Estepona mayor Jose Maria Garcia Urbano will stand trial over the hiring of a woman who prosecutors allege was paid more than €5,200 without carrying out any work.

A court has ordered the Partido Popular mayor to face trial at Malaga’s Provincial Court over alleged misuse of public funds and ‘knowingly making an unlawful official decision’.

Prosecutors are seeking one year and 11 months in prison, alongside a five-year-and-11-month ban on holding public office and standing for election.

The woman, identified as C.P.B., also faces trial. Prosecutors are seeking four years and six months in prison and an eight-year disqualification from public office.

According to the prosecution, Garcia Urbano had a romantic relationship with the woman and appointed her to a position of trust at Estepona town hall knowing she would never perform any work.

She held the post for 46 days between February and March 2023, receiving two salary payments totalling €5,276.92 net.

The mayor’s defence disputes the allegations and says there is documentary evidence and witness testimony showing she attended the town hall and performed her duties.

Garcia Urbano repaid the salary costs to the municipal treasury in November 2025. He subsequently paid a further €2,589.97 in June 2026 to cover the associated Social Security contributions, according to the prosecution’s submission.

The PSOE, which is pursuing a separate prosecution in the case, is seeking a tougher sentence of five years and six months in prison for the mayor, plus a 10-year ban on public office.

Another prosecution is requesting the same penalties against him.

Following the decision to send the case to trial, Garcia Urbano told La Opinion de Malaga that he remained fully confident in the justice system and wanted proceedings to begin as soon as possible so he could demonstrate his innocence.

His lawyers say municipal human resources reports establish the duties attached to the post and the services the woman provided.

They also point to witnesses who they say corroborate her attendance and work.

The defence argues that the case forms part of a campaign to damage the mayor politically and personally.

His lawyers say it originated in testimony the woman gave during a separate case against him that was subsequently closed, with that decision upheld by Malaga’s Provincial Court.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.