Partner in Vienna repeatedly abused: Man sentenced after jumping from balcony

The 55-year-old had called the police for help after an excessive violent attack on February 18. When the officers arrived, the man jumped from the balcony located on the second floor.

He sustained severe leg injuries and was arrested while lying on the street. With a plastered left leg and relying on two crutches, the native Algerian hobbled to the courtroom, escorted by two prison guards. There, he made a comprehensive confession and further exercised his right to remain silent: "I am guilty, without wanting to say anything further."

Vienna-Margareten: Abuse Under the Influence of Alcohol

Defense attorney Alexander Philipp, who had thoroughly studied the case, emphasized that his client had been a loving partner. He only became violent when he had too much alcohol. This was confirmed by the victim, who had already stated immediately after the arrest of her ex-partner: "When he hadn't been drinking, he was a very dear, nice person. As soon as he had three or four beers, he let loose."

The 55-year-old was in a relationship with the accused for about one and a half years. Since the summer, he is said to have regularly beaten her with fists, slapped her, and pulled her hair. Via WhatsApp, the woman also received threats like "Today blood will flow" or "I will set the apartment on fire." The elderly mother of the 55-year-old was told by the man that he would "cut off your snake daughter's head."

Victim: "The Fear Was Great"

When asked why she hadn't contacted the police earlier, the 55-year-old replied: "The fear was great." She had been in "great pain" for months, the witness described: "Now I am feeling better again. I feel somewhat liberated. I was very confined, very under pressure."

The 42-year-old was ultimately sentenced to one year in prison for continued violence, coercion, and dangerous threats, which was conditionally suspended with a three-year probation period for the previously unblemished individual. He agreed to this, and the prosecutor initially made no statement. The 55-year-old was awarded 1,000 euros in compensation for pain and suffering.

Six Kilograms of Cannabis Seized on Balcony in Vienna

The Algerian was not released from pre-trial detention despite the suspended sentence imposed on him - the public prosecutor's office is investigating him on suspicion of drug trafficking on a larger scale. These dealings were likely the reason why the man panicked and jumped from the balcony when the police knocked on his door. A trolley was discovered on the balcony containing six kilograms of cannabis.

In Austria, women experiencing violence can find help and information, among others, at the Women's Helpline: 0800-222-555, www.frauenhelpline.at; at the Association of Autonomous Austrian Women's Shelters (AÖF) at www.aoef.at; Violence Protection Center Vienna: https://www.gewaltschutzzentrum.at/wien/ and at the 24-hour Women's Emergency Hotline of the City of Vienna: 01-71719 as well as the Women's Shelter Emergency Hotline at 057722 and the Austrian Violence Protection Centers: 0800/700-217; Police Emergency Number: 133

(APA/Red)

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