Nieces abused

12 years for “favorite uncle” for rape

In the Vienna regional court, the accused denies the allegations of rape made by his nieces.(Bild: Pratschner Sophie, Krone KREATIV)

A 54-year-old man abused his three nieces during various visits: The girls suffered dramatic consequences. In court in Vienna, the uncle now receives a long prison sentence for rape, among other things.

The defendant sits quietly and with his head bowed in front of his defense lawyer on the second day of the trial, listening to the harrowing testimony about his nieces. From 2017 onwards, he abused and raped the three girls, the youngest of whom was only ten years old at the time. For example, he performed sexual acts with and on them under the covers while watching television.

Wife as an exonerating witness?
The 54-year-old's wife is completely uncomprehending of the terrible accusations. She reports a loving relationship with the three of them. "A niece wanted us to adopt her," she says, unable to explain the rape charge. One suspicion: "I haven't had any contact with my brother for 15 years and that's the bill we're getting now" - she suspects the victims' father of being the instigator.

Long prison sentence due to psychiatric report
However, an expert opinion on the witness capacity of two nieces sees no evidence of this. Instead, the girls, who are now teenagers, are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. "The acts of violence can be seen as causal," the expert states.

The Viennese man maintains his denial of responsibility to the end. He had been his nieces' "favorite uncle". However, the victims' statements, the expert reports and incriminating chat messages between the accused and one of the girls tell a completely different story. It doesn't take long for the panel of lay judges to reach its verdict against the previously blameless man: twelve years in prison for rape resulting in grievous bodily harm and serious sexual abuse of minors - not legally binding.