A British couple have received a one-year-and-four-month prison term for leaving their three young children unsupervised at a Spanish holiday resort.

Court imposes suspended sentence and contact ban

Judicial authorities in Torremolinos announced the agreement on Friday, June 12. The judge suspended actual imprisonment provided the couple commits no further offences over two years. Other restrictions imposed prevent them from exercising parental authority for two years and eight months. They must also stay at least 500 metres away from the children during that period.

Two of the youngsters tested positive for cocaine during medical checks at Malaga’s Maternal and Infant Hospital. All three will now stay in the care of Andalucia social services. Officials plan to coordinate with the British consulate for their return to the UK.

Discovery at Holiday World Resort pool area

Staff and guests spotted the children, aged six months, one year, and four years, wandering in the common zones and pool areas of the all-inclusive Holiday World Resort. Witnesses reported the toddlers appeared to have spent considerable time without any adult supervision. Some showed signs of sunburn.

National Police officers arrived quickly and found the parents drinking at a nearby location within the complex. After interviewing witnesses and completing enquiries, authorities arrested both adults on suspicion of child abandonment. Medical teams transferred the children to hospital for full assessments.

Long-term measures apply nationwide

This ruling carries a compulsory enforcement across all locations. Social services are looking after the children’s welfare until arrangements for their relocation conclude. The case has drawn attention to parental duties during overseas holidays and the quick response from local emergency teams.

The incident took place when concerned visitors alerted resort personnel about the unattended minors near the pools. Officers acted quickly to locate the parents and to guarantee the children’s safety. Medical results confirmed substance exposure in the two youngest, which led to immediate protective steps being taken.

Authorities continue to prioritise the minors’ wellbeing while preparing their transfer home.

Brace yourselves for a colourful Carribean evening as ACE SHIN hosts its Summer Fundraising dinner in aid of abandoned animals.

The return of the annual dinner will take place at the gorgeous Miraflores Golf restaurant, Spikes & Bobby Jones, on Saturday, July 11 at 7pm, this tropical treat will bring you a night of full flavoured food, drinks, live entertainment and prizes.

Support ACE SHIN at Miraflores Golf Restaurant

You can leave the white t shirt, plain shorts and dresses at home, as guests are being invited to ditch traditional formalwear for the evening and don their brightest shirts and most colourful dresses for the occasion. Every ticket sold goes directly toward supporting ACE SHIN (Animal Care España – Spanish Hondene in Need), the incredible charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming vulnerable dogs across Spain. The beautiful promotional poster for the event features Yasmyna, one of the many rescue dogs from the shelter, wearing a floral garland, giving you another reminder of the animals this dinner will help.

A gourmet Caribbean menu and live music

For just €50 per person, attendees can enjoy an all-inclusive experience. The evening begins with a refreshing welcome drink, followed by a mouth-watering Caribbean-infused 3 course menu. Starters include lemongrass & coconut soup, spiced king prawns, and Caribbean spiced chicken wings. For the main course, guests can choose between authentic Jamaican rum-marinated pork ribs, spiced jerk chicken, blackened snapper fillet, or a rich stuffed aubergine. A tropical fruit salad and plantain cheesecake top off the feast, all washed down by wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Your meal and evening will be accompanied by the wonderful vocal talents of Mark T. Connor, keeping the vibe high before a Grand Charity Raffle draws the evening to a close with quality prizes up for grabs

How to book your tickets today

With limited availability, advance bookings are absolutely mandatory for this well-loved annual fundraiser.

Tickets can be purchased directly from Miraflores Golf Restaurant in Riviera del Sol or Ibex Insurance in Fuengirola. To make a direct reservation, contact Martyn at 711 039124, Carolyn at 647 647671, or email info@ace-charity.org. Discover more about ACE and their incredible work on their website or social media channels.

There are the first signs that summer is coming to the Costa del Sol. Provincial fire crews freed a cat on Thursday morning after its head became lodged inside the decorative breeze block of a house in Estepona. That’s where we are. Summer is coming, and thankfully, cats are making headlines once again.

The animal had squeezed into a small opening in the structure and could not escape on its own. Rescuers from the Consorcio Provincial de Bomberos (Malaga’s provincial fire brigade) responded quickly to the call in Calle Huerta Nueva shortly after 9.30am on June 11.

Nuestra dotación de #Estepona interviene para rescatar a un gato con la cabeza atrapada en la celosía de una vivienda en la Calle Huerta Nueva del mismo municipio
El animal es rescatado con éxito y sin daños#CPBMálaga @diputacionMLG pic.twitter.com/KDyFs8Ovzn

— CPB Málaga (@cpbmalaga) June 11, 2026

Rapid arrival and very careful extraction

A team based in Estepona reached the property around 9.40am. The cat’s head protruded from the tight gap while its body got stuck inside the concrete lattice. Firefighters worked methodically for more than half an hour to create extra space without causing harm. They used a hammer and chisel to open part of the breeze block while shielding the animal’s head at every stage. Meows from the cat accompanied the operation as crews maintained steady progress throughout the delicate process.

Successful outcome with no injuries, despite heavy tools

The cat got out unharmed once crews completed the task. Video footage captured the moment of release, with one rescuer heard saying the animal was finally free. The operation ended with the pet back on solid ground and showing no signs of serious injury. Local reports confirm the cat belongs to the household and returned safely after the intervention.

Earlier similar rescue in Marratxí, Mallorca

Just two days before, firefighters from the Inca Park station attended a home in Marratxi on Mallorca. A German Shepherd had trapped its head inside a gap in a construction fence at the property. Crews arrived around 9.15am on June  9 and faced a comparable challenge. They broke sections of the lattice with hammer and chisel while the dog, thankfully, stayed calm during the whole procedure. The animal suffered no injuries and walked away freely once released.

👨‍🚒 Efectius del parc d’Inca han intervingut avui, a les 9.18 hores, a un rescat d’un ca a Marratxí.

🐶 L’animal s’havia quedat encallat a un balcó i ha estat necessària la intervenció dels bombers per al seu alliberament. pic.twitter.com/B20licvMiJ

— Bombers de Mallorca (@BombersdeMca) June 9, 2026

Pattern of precise animal rescues

Both incidents required steady hands and protective techniques to avoid further distress. They had to gain the trust of the distressed creatures. Fire services across Spain regularly handle calls involving pets in confined spaces and up trees. These latest examples demonstrate how crews balance speed with caution to achieve positive results.

On both occasions, owners expressed immense relief after each successful release. Video clips from the Estepona operation continue to circulate online and show the full sequence of events from arrival to completion. Similar footage from the Marratxi rescue shows the same methodical approach used by local fire teams.

Life in Spain is great for everyone who lives here. Even pet owners. Curiosity apparently killed the cat. Just make sure it’s not yours.