A judge in Benidorm has ordered a man to remain in provisional custody without bail while he is investigated over alleged repeated sexual assaults against his partner. The woman has also reported alleged abuse, threats, harassment and breaches of a restraining order preventing him from approaching her.

The alleged offences took place during July and August. The complaint includes allegations of vaginal, anal and oral sexual assaults, as well as an incident in which the man allegedly hit the woman and attempted to choke her using a method known as the sleeper hold. Some of the reported incidents were recorded on video.

The prosecution requested custody, saying it was the only effective measure to protect the woman given the seriousness of the allegations and the alleged repeated breaches of the court order. The man was arrested last week and appeared before the court on Thursday 3 September, when he declined to answer questions. He has previously denied the allegations.

His lawyer has announced an appeal, arguing that custody is disproportionate. The defence says the couple’s meetings were consensual and has requested a forensic examination of the recordings, including to assess whether the man has any disorder.