Many contradictions

Trial after sex in staff room

Salzburg courthouse, seat of the regional court(Bild: Tschepp Markus)

Hotel employee allegedly abused a colleague - acquittal at the trial in Salzburg Provincial Court on Monday.

The accused (29) and his victim worked in the same hotel in the Salzburg region. On April 12, they were celebrating the end of the season with colleagues. After a few drinks, the woman wanted to go home, the Slovakian - himself in a long-term relationship - offered her to wait for the train in his staff room.

That's where it happened: "Consensually", as the Slovakian emphasized at the trial on Monday in Salzburg Provincial Court. "We hugged and then undressed each other." The victim described it differently to the authorities: the man is said to have abused the woman by force. He is said to have blindfolded her and tied her hands.

According to an expert opinion, the woman has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder ever since. She did not press charges immediately, but only after eight months. According to the defense lawyer, there were also inconsistent statements from the alleged victim.

And the panel of lay judges agreed. It recognized "significant contradictions" - acquittal, not legally binding.