A British helicopter pilot has been locked up for 20 years after stabbing a man to death during a weekend chemsex session in Spain.
Violent Stabbing After Drug-Fuelled Sex Session
Aaron Rainbow, 50, from Surrey, was convicted of violently stabbing Oscar Tornero, 38, six times during a weekend binge on crystal meth and GHB. The horrifying attack happened at Tornero’s home in Vallgorguina, north of Barcelona.
Rainbow claimed he acted in self-defence, convinced he was being watched and feared for his life. But the jury didn’t buy it. They found him guilty in an 8-1 majority verdict and handed down Spain’s maximum 20-year sentence.
Judge Refuses to Cut Sentence Over Drug Use
Trial judge Carmen Sucias Rodriguez slammed Rainbow with the full penalty, refusing to consider his lawyers’ plea to reduce the sentence due to drug intoxication. On top of jail time, Rainbow was ordered to pay nearly £470,000 in compensation to the victim’s family and ex-partner, with over £300,000 going to Tornero’s daughter.
Frightened Pilot Insisted He Was Paranoid
At trial, Rainbow said he had ‘not been responsible’ during the attack, blaming paranoia triggered by the drugs. He told the court he feared Tornero was live-streaming their encounter and thought strangers were waiting outside to rape him.
“My instinct told me I was in serious trouble,” Rainbow testified.
Neighbours heard Rainbow shout, “I’ll f*****g kill you” as Tornero desperately tried to flee, only to collapse and die on the street below.
Family Say Police Ignored Vital Digital Evidence
Rainbow’s family claim the investigation was mishandled, saying police failed to examine electronic devices that might prove he was being watched. His brother Dan told the court: “Aaron thought people were watching online via cameras. He grabbed the knife in self-defence.”
The family compared the bizarre case to a “Netflix thriller” but emphasised the grim reality behind the shocking murder.
Rainbow’s two years behind bars while awaiting trial will count towards his sentence.
