Stalking, Coercion, Property Damage: Trial Began in Vienna

On Friday, a man stood trial in Vienna for persistent stalking, coercion, and property damage. He had repeatedly waited for a woman, with whom he had a brief relationship, in front of her residence, shouted at her, and contacted her up to 128 times a day. Furthermore, he threatened to publish nude photos of her, send a sex toy to her employer, and report her son. He also attacked her car. The defendant confessed.

Property Damage of Over 1,000 Euros

The affected woman explained that she had repeatedly told the defendant that she did not want a relationship with him and that he should not contact her anymore. She blocked him several times on all channels but said she lifted the block out of fear because he appeared in front of her building and threatened that there would be "drama." The defendant justified his various threats as follows: "I wanted us to have an even more intense relationship."

He also admitted to throwing himself onto the woman's car and damaging it as she was trying to leave the garage. He had previously learned that the woman had a boyfriend. He caused property damage of over 1,000 euros.

Sentence of 19 Months in Prison

The Viennese man pleaded guilty and stated that he wanted to undergo therapy. He had already sought help from a men's support service but would have to wait six months for a therapy spot. He also wanted to apologize to the affected woman, realizing only afterward what his actions meant for her.

The sentence of 19 months of unconditional imprisonment was partly justified by the fact that the man had been released from prison shortly before committing the offenses. He also has a number of previous convictions. His confession had a mitigating effect on the sentence. The verdict is not yet legally binding. The prosecution has three days to file an appeal.

(APA/Red)

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