Raphaella Richer Martins Burns, an Irish resident originally from Brazil, has been fined 2,700 euros (approximately $2,325) and ordered to pay 500 euros (approximately $430) in compensation to an 18-year-old Swedish tourist after admitting to groping him in a hotel sauna in Magaluf.
The incident occurred on June 3, 2025, at the four-star Hotel Martinique. According to the prosecution's indictment, Burns sat next to the teenager in a Turkish steam bath after they had spoken in the adjacent sauna. She then allegedly touched his genitals without his consent, stopping only when he said, "No, no, no" and left. The victim alerted hotel staff, who then contacted the police.
Burns, then 37, was arrested at the scene while with her husband and spent a night in police custody before being released on bail. Initially facing a potential 18-month prison sentence, prosecutors agreed to a plea bargain that resolved the case with a financial penalty. She entered her guilty plea via video link from Ireland at the Audiencia Provincial Court in Palma. Public prosecutors had initially sought a prison term and a two-year ban from working with minors, as well as court costs.
Burns' defense lawyer had previously argued that the incident was a misunderstanding, with Burns believing the teenager was interested in her. She reportedly admitted to touching the man's genitals but explained she acted based on her perception of his interest and ceased when he protested. Her legal team had sought to have the case discontinued, stating they did not consider a crime had taken place.
Under Spanish law, prison sentences of two years or less are typically suspended for first-time offenders. The court's decision to accept the plea bargain and impose a financial penalty means Burns will not serve jail time.