Torrevieja’s council has been ordered to pay one hundred and fifteen thousand euros to a police officer after the Constitutional Court ratified a ruling condemning the town for workplace harassment. The court found the officer endured harassment from April two thousand thirteen to September two thousand sixteen, after he raised concerns about corruption and cash handling in fines and nightlife checks. The sum comprises ninety-five thousand euros plus twenty thousand in late-payment interest from two thousand sixteen.

Prior to this verdict, the council had won cases at the Valencian High Court and the Supreme Court. The Constitutional Court’s decision, issued last February, has been described as unprecedented in administrative workplace harassment cases and attributes direct responsibility to the town council, the mayor at the time, Eduardo Dolón, and the current government delegate in the province, Agustina Esteve, for failing to tackle the abuse.

According to the ruling, the officer’s shifts were changed without notice, holidays were denied, shifts with no rest were imposed, his service weapon was removed from the armoury, and he was warned that he could lose his driving privileges. He was denied extra pay and other emoluments, and humiliating letters were read publicly. Several witnesses described denigrating conduct in public, with no one authorised taking action to stop it.

The council announced in May they would appeal to the European Court of Justice, though no decision has been made. The Court typically takes about two years to issue rulings. The officer, Antonio Rico, says the amount does not fully compensate the harm and that those responsible should be held to account under the law. The case has raised questions about public integrity and trust in Torrevieja’s administration.