Today is the second and final court session in Huelva relating to the fire in Riotinto in which a couple lost their lives and over 35,000 hectares of land were destroyed. There is one accused in the case and the prosecution are seeking a jail term of between 26 and 28 years.
In the first session, none of the witnesses were able to directly link the accused to the fires, but the prosecution maintains that there is sufficient circumstantial and incriminating evidence to pursue the case.
According to the prosecution, the accused, Emilio Perdigón, left his house on July 27th with the intent to start fires around Huelva. Four fires were actually started.
The first three fires were quickly extinguished, but the fourth spread and affected Minas de Riotinto, Nerva, El Campillo, Escacena del Campo, Paterna del Campo, Zalamea La Real, El Berrocal, El Madroño, El Castillo de las Guardas, Aznalcóllar, Gerena, El Garrobo and Sanlúcar La Mayor.
Two motorists, travelling between Monte Somorrero and Las Delgadas, were caught up in the fire and died from asphyxiation caused by the inhalation of combustible gases.
Around 35,000 hectares of land were destroyed in the blaze, including pine, oak, eucalyptus and cork oak plantations, and the habitat of many species of animals was also destroyed. The cost of extinguishing the fire has been estimated at €1.9 million.
The public prosecutor is asking for a sentence of 26 years in prison for the accused, the prosecutor for the family of the victims are demanding 28 years in prison. In addition, compensation to the families of the victims is being requested as well as compensation to all those who suffered injury in the incident.
The accused, Emilio Perdigón, has no prior criminal record.
Today will see evidence from forensic experts.