Breton trial begins in Cordoba

THE trial against Jose Breton for the murder of his two children, aged six and two, began this week.

The private prosecution is asking for 40 years in prison for the accused.

Ruth and Jose were reported missing by their father on October 8, 2011, in Cordoba. He had them for the weekend following his separation from their mother.

Breton claimed that his children were snatched, but his story of how they disappeared made police suspect his involvement.

He was arrested on October 18, 2011, and has been in prison ever since.

The children’s remains were allegedly found on a bonfire at a property belonging to his parents.

A first report regarding the remains found on the fire said that they were not human, but a later report, in September 2012, claimed the opposite.

Although the bonfire was made so hot that it destroyed any DNA evidence, other circumstances point to him having killed his two children.

The prosecutor is also asking for €600,000 for the children’s mother, while the private prosecution is asking for €2 million.

In addition, the prosecutor has requested €137,335 to cover the police investigation, €5,500 for the company which provided equipment to search for the children’s bodies, and €22,567 for Cordoba City Hall.

The defence is asking for Breton’s acquittal on the basis that the bones found have not been confirmed as Ruth and Jose’s by means of DNA testing.

The trial is due to end during the week July 8 to 12, after more than 100 people have given their statements.