Defendant only 16

Scuffle in the schoolyard got completely out of hand

Defense lawyer Maximilian Fritz suggested a diversionary procedure for his client.(Bild: Dorn / Krone KREATIV)

An aggressive pupil hit a colleague with a stone in Oberland - on Monday there was a court hearing.

Statistics show that the propensity for violence among young people has increased significantly in recent years. However, the background to the case heard on Monday at the Feldkirch Regional Court is particularly tragic. It was on January 23 when the 16-year-old defendant and the later victim, a 17-year-old vocational school student, got into a fight in the school playground. The reason: one of them had obviously bumped into the other beforehand.

After a brief verbal altercation, the 16-year-old pulled the lanky opponent to the ground and hit him twice on the head with a stone. The aggressive man then attacked his victim with punches. The result: numerous hematomas in the rib area and abrasions on the 17-year-old's head. Charges are brought and the case goes to trial.

The previously blameless 16-year-old boy is now charged with attempted grievous bodily harm. However, the Austrian with Syrian roots is gentle during the trial. He remorsefully admits his misconduct and is also prepared to make amends after the victim claims to have suffered pain for two weeks as a result of the beating.

Out-of-court settlement
Which is why the defendant's lawyer is also suggesting a diversionary approach: "I am of the opinion that community service works better than a fine or even a conditional prison sentence. After all, my client has no criminal record and has made a remorseful confession." In view of the fact that the 16-year-old boy apologized to the victim in the courtroom with a handshake and handed over 500 euros in partial pain and suffering compensation, Judge Sabrina Tagwercher was willing to compromise on Monday. The trial ends with an out-of-court settlement. The victim is referred to the civil courts with all further claims.