Spanish courts reject ex-police chief's appeal, escalate sexual assault case against former deputy operational director

Lleida post remains with new chief

Antonio José Royo was appointed head of the Provincial Police Station in Lleida on 9 December 2025. One week later, he was removed after a 2003 conviction for sexual harassment came to light. The Interior Ministry cited institutional and social unease and potential damage to the force's prestige. Royo's appeal led to a temporary suspension of his removal on 23 December 2025, while the court noted the administration could fill the post permanently. The police directorate then advertised the role and, on 2 March 2026, awarded it to María Pilar Callejero. She took office on 29 April 2026, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Royo challenged the appointment, arguing it lacked sufficient motivation and was driven by media pressure and social unrest rather than operational reasons. He also claimed arbitrariness, noting no comparison was made between his profile and Callejero's despite his greater seniority and local experience. On 9 July 2026, the High Court of Justice of Catalonia rejected his request to suspend the appointment. The court ruled that Royo had not demonstrated the harm was irreparable, leaving Callejero in place while the main dispute with the ministry continues.

Former deputy director faces summary trial

Separately, a Madrid judge opened summary proceedings against José Ángel González, the former Deputy Operational Director (DAO) of the National Police, for coercion and sexual assault. The decision, reported on 8 July 2026, moves the case from an abbreviated procedure to a full summary trial, reserved for crimes carrying penalties exceeding nine years in prison. Judge David Mamán Belinchón of Madrid's Violence Against Women Court No. 8 ordered the measure after incorporating medical and psychological evidence of the victim's injuries. Additional audio recordings showed that González had lied during his initial statement as an investigated party, strengthening the credibility of the complainant's account.

Allegations from April 2025

The complainant, a police inspector who worked under González, alleges that in April 2025 he ordered her to drive him to his official residence under the pretext of a work meeting. There, she says, he sexually assaulted her despite her repeated refusals. Following the incident, he subjected her to harassment, including 17 phone calls in a single day and intimidating remarks.

Hey, I'm the DAO.

Prosecutors say this breached Article 19 of the National Police Ethical Code, which requires authority to be exercised with respect for subordinates' dignity and prohibits abuse. The victim has been on leave and unfit for service since the case emerged. A second woman, not a police officer, has also claimed to be a victim of the former senior officer.

Legal threshold crossed

The investigated facts bear the characteristics of an alleged crime of sexual assault.

The judge's ruling is a preliminary step before formal processing, which will fix the end of the investigation and propose a trial date. The summary procedure applies when potential sentences exceed nine years, reflecting the gravity of the charges.

1. Dec 9, 2025Antonio José Royo appointed head of the Provincial Police Station in Lleida.
2. Dec 16, 2025Removed from the post after his 2003 sexual harassment conviction became public.
3. Dec 23, 2025High Court of Justice of Catalonia temporarily suspends the removal, citing lack of motivation and procedural defects.
4. Mar 2, 2026Direction General of Police opens the Lleida post for free designation and awards it to María Pilar Callejero.
5. Apr 29, 2026Callejero takes office, becoming the first woman to lead the station.
6. Jul 9, 2026Court rejects Royo's request to suspend Callejero's appointment, allowing her to remain in the role during ongoing litigation.