In Brief

In July the average pension in the Balearic Islands stood at 708.89 euros per month, below the national average of 884.97 euros and only ahead of three other regions - Galicia, Extremadura and Murcia.

Es Mercadal to stage 24-hour charity swim

A 24-hour swim to raise funds for ASPANOB (the Association for Parents of Children with Cancer in the Baleares) is to be held at the Municipal Swimming Pool in Es Mercadal, starting at 1700 hrs. on Friday, 6th August.

The event is open to swimmers of all ages and abilities as it will consist of relays of 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes, non-stop, for the 24 hours. Registration for the event is free, with a collection box on site for donations.

Man suspected of rape denies charges

The man arrested in mid-July in connection with nine sex offences (including one rape) in the Maó, Es Castell and Sant Lluís areas has denied the charges laid against him. The family of M.A.C.P., who is being held in custody in Palma pending the trial, has arranged a new defence for the suspect and is calling for DNA tests to be carried out which could delay the proceedings by between three months and one year. However, it appears unlikely that the suspect will be released on bail in the meantime.

Prison sentences for two sex offenders

Two men accused of sex offences against minors have been given prison sentences.The first, Cristóbal Capó Gener, was the trainer at a cycling club in Ciutadella who abused two young pupils in 2007. He was sentenced to nine years in prison, deprived of his right to vote and ordered to pay 16,000 euros to his victims.

The second, J.L.B.R., was found guilty of abusing the son of his partner and was condemned to three years in prison, deprived of his voting rights and ordered to pay 4,000 euros to the victim.

Unemployment risesin Balearic Islands

The Balearics ended the first half of the year with 19.94% unemployment, an increase of 11.93% on last year. At the end of June 120,700 people were without work.