Hector Barbera issues official statement after sentence for violent domestic dispute

By gb

Posted May 13, 2013

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Barbera after finishing as top CRT rider in qualifying at Jerez

Last week various Spanish media sources, including news agency EFE, reported that Avintia Blusens rider Hector Barbera had been sentenced to six months in jail by a Spanish court after a violent domestic dispute with his girlfriend who received a sentence of five months for the incident. Staying in Jerez for a few more days after the Spanish Grand Prix, an argument between the two allegedly got out of hand and the Spaniard’s unnamed girlfriend was treated for bruises at a local hospital. A speedy trial was held which ruled the jail sentences for both, although these can likely be traded in for community service hours, so Barbera’s participation in the upcoming races will probably not be in jeopardy.

Last year the Valencian already had to appear before the court after being caught driving under the influence which resulted in the loss off his driving license for ten months and a fine.

After a lot of press coverage about the incident, Barbera issued the following official statement on his Facebook page.

“About the information that has been published in different media, I want to clarify with this communication the events that occurred in the night of the 9th of May.

I obviously do not feel proud at all of what happened and I want to express my apologies to everyone, especially to my family, my friends and team members.

In this procedure, I must assume my duties and responsabilities, but I feel that (as also stated the Court) I was also attacked and affected.

After the complaints that have been put forward, we strictly followed the protocol set by the law for that kind of situation. Once in the Court, both parts gave their statements and were visited by the medical examiner, who certified the injuries I had. In any case and being respectful I won’t provide more details about this. Subsequently both parties accepted the Jerez Court resolution.

Me and my former partner have accepted this Court resolution immediately as an attempt to conclude not only with this legal procedure, but also with the unfair social and media treatment I have suffered undeservedly with opinions and statements which are far away from reality, all based in rumors not verified.

In my family we are three kids, two girls and one boy, we grew up together, learning the values of respect, fairness and love, I would never think of hurting anybody, no matter if woman or man. I am firmly against any type of mistreatement or abuse to anyone.

To me this matter is now definitely closed forever and I just want to dedicate all my efforts to my sport career as I have been doing until now. I refer to my press and legal advisors if any clarifications are required.”

Sources: EFE, Facebook Hector Barbera
Photo: Ben Davies for smartfotos.co.uk