Judge rejects ex-bullfighter’s request for bail until DUI charges are resolved

A judge in Seville on Thursday rejected a petition by former bullfighter José Antonio Cano to remain free on bail while he appeals his conviction for killing a man while he was driving under the influence of alcohol.

Ortega Cano, the husband of the late singer Rocío Jurado, was sentenced last year to serve two-and-a-half years in prison for causing the death of Carlos Parra in a traffic accident in May 2011 in Castilblanco de los Arroyo.

According to Europa Press, the former bullfighter is awaiting word for a possible pardon from the Justice Ministry.

Earlier this month, prosecutors opposed the petition, arguing that Ortega Cano was convicted of several charges related to the DUI incident.

Also opposing his request was the State Association for Victims of DUI Accidents.

“There is no reason to postpone his entry to jail or to grant him a pardon,” said Francisco Canes, president of the association.

Ortega Cano has been in the media spotlight since his conviction. His adopted son, José Fernando, 20, was arrested last November when he and his friends beat up a young man at a Seville nightclub and stole his car, which they later allegedly set fire to.

Prosecutors are asking for a five- to seven-year sentence for the son.

Ortega Cano’s wife, the internationally famous Spanish ballad singer Rocío Jurado, died of cancer in 2006.