Russian yachtsmen sentenced in Spain

13 Aug, 2009 11:41 / Updated 15 years ago

Three Russian yachtsmen have been given a six month suspended sentence by the Spanish court for resisting police during detention.

The three men were on the island of Majorca to take part in the prestigious Copa del Rey sailing regatta.

They claim they were beaten by police at night while on the way to their hotel, and then locked in a cell for 24 hours.

However, Spanish authorities say the men attacked the policemen and resisted arrest.

During the hearing the charges were softened from attacking the police to resistance.

Despite the sentence, the yachtsmen will be able to continue their sports careers.