Imprisonment After Attempted Rape of Homeless Woman in Vienna
The court found it proven that the accused had massively sexually and physically attacked a homeless woman, causing her severe injuries. "I'm so sorry for everything," the defendant insisted during the trial.
"A Stunning Expression of Severe Aggression"
What happened on August 28, 2024, in front of a homeless shelter in Vienna, was described by expert Peter Hofmann as a "stunning expression of severe aggression". The accused repeatedly tried to perform sexual acts on the woman and attacked her with kicks and punches to the face when she did not give in to his pressure. Later, he also strangled her. The physically extremely restricted woman suffered, among other things, a displaced nasal bone fracture, which made her barely recognizable. The defendant did make a remorseful confession, but at the same time, he insisted that he "could not remember" the act.
Indeed, the defendant's living conditions were difficult: Although he found his mother, who suffered from schizophrenia, dead at home after a suicide when he was 14, he was able to lead an inconspicuous life and even graduate from school. However, the first mental problems along with alcohol addiction followed in his early 20s, which he could not control despite two withdrawals.
"You Knew What You Were Doing"
At the age of 24, he was also diagnosed with schizophrenia. The Austrian took the prescribed medication only intermittently due to his alcohol consumption. "But I was never violent," the defendant insisted.
On February 28, the man claims to have consumed two bottles of vodka during the day before the act at 8.30 pm. Indeed, after his arrest, he was found to have a blood alcohol level of about three per mille. Despite this high value and his proven mental illness, Hofmann considered the man to be accountable. "You knew what you were doing," he said, addressing the defendant.
Placement in a Forensic Therapeutic Facility
The expert argued for the defendant to be admitted to a forensic therapeutic facility due to his high level of danger. The jury (chaired by Judge Philipp Krasa) followed this recommendation. They sentenced the defendant to six years of unconditional imprisonment, including placement, within a penalty range of five to fifteen years. Krasa justified the comparatively mild verdict by the fact that, despite the brutality of the act, only mitigating circumstances were present against the defendant.
Given his still young age, the man might be able to lead a normal life through therapy. The public prosecutor's office also saw it this way and, like the defendant, waived further legal remedies, making the verdict legally binding.
The woman, born in 1984, who appeared in court in a wheelchair due to her severe illnesses, was also awarded 5,000 euros in compensation for pain and suffering. A tragic detail: The homeless woman had already appeared in court for the second time in a short period as a victim of a brutal act. About a year ago, her then partner was convicted of attempted murder against her.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.