Trial in Feldkirch

“He failed in everything, so to speak”

The accused appeared remorseful in court. Nevertheless, he will now go to prison for the time being.(Bild: Chantall Dorn, Krone KREATIV)

A man from Lower Austria exploited a relationship of authority and assaulted his 16-year-old stepdaughter. He was given a prison sentence at the trial at Feldkirch Regional Court.

The 42-year-old craftsman tearfully admits his guilt: "I'm so sorry for everything," he says. Otherwise, the father of two refuses to provide any further details in the case against him during the trial in Feldkirch on Wednesday. Although several acts are alleged to have taken place between April and October 2023, as both the victim and the defendant's wife refused to testify, the prosecution is only relying on the information provided by the perpetrator.

Defense lawyer Martin Künz asked for a lenient sentence for the accused. However, Judge Lise Pfeifer did not comply with this request.(Bild: Chantall Dorn)

During questioning by the police, he had only admitted to a single sexual act against his stepdaughter. The consequences of this are nevertheless bitter for the man. "His marriage is over, he's lost his family and he's also facing personal bankruptcy. He has failed in everything, so to speak. Seen in this light, everything that is being imposed on him today is a bonus," says defense lawyer Martin Künz and asks for a lenient sentence.

Partial prison sentence
Although the defendant had already agreed in advance with his still-wife to pay for his stepdaughter's driving license to make amends within his financial means, Judge Lisa Pfeifer found the man, who has several previous convictions - albeit not relevant ones - guilty as charged and gave him a partially conditional prison sentence of nine months, seven of which were suspended.

His marriage is over, he has lost his family and is also facing personal bankruptcy. He has failed in everything, so to speak. Seen in this light, everything that is being imposed on him today is a bonus.

Martin Künz, Rechtsanwalt des Angeklagten

The woman's advice is mitigated by his remorseful confession and the fact that the man has contributed to establishing the truth. At the end, the judge gives the guilty man, who is in tears, a small ray of hope: "I don't want to promise you anything, but you can try to apply for an ankle bracelet." The verdict is already final.