Linzer in a rage

15 months partially suspended prison sentence for “knife grandpa”

The man from Linz (65) is dependent on a walker and is also mentally distressed. He snapped out of anger and was convicted.(Bild: Horst Einöder/Flashpictures)

"He needs help instead of punishment," demanded the lawyer of the 65-year-old man from Linz who, out of desperation, grabbed a knife and, leaning on his rollator, waited for hated cyclists and e-scooter riders. Those who used the sidewalk and obstructed him. He now has to go to prison for this.

The judge did not make it easy for herself, but there was no way around a sentence against the 65-year-old "knife grandpa" from Linz. As reported, he had intercepted e-scooter drivers and cyclists on a rollator in the middle of the sidewalk and threatened at least two of them with a homemade knife.

Charge mitigated
An attempt to cause grievous bodily harm with intent was charged, and because a knife was involved, there was a minimum sentence of two years in prison.

Because an important witness, who had observed and reported the incident in Hafenstrasse, was on vacation on the first day of the trial, the case was retried at short notice on Wednesday. And a verdict was reached: The 65-year-old was convicted of attempted "ordinary" assault and resisting public authority. The man from Linz must serve three months of the 15-month sentence, most of which he has already served and has been in custody since June 28.