Trial in Feldkirch

Bloody fight on the train ended in court

In the dining car of the ÖBB Railjet there were no second helpings, but rather punches. Both parties sustained injuries and bled profusely.(Bild: Chantall Dorn)

A 24-year-old first defendant with a criminal record was fined in Vorarlberg. His opponent (43) gets off scot-free. 

The 24-year-old first defendant and his 43-year-old opponent have a somewhat strange idea of how a court hearing is held in Austria, as both are obviously convinced that you can beat someone bloody without having to fear criminal consequences.

"Ruined my life"
During the trial at Feldkirch Regional Court, the duo emphasized that nobody meant any harm. They would have forgiven each other long ago. When Judge Alexander Wehinger makes it clear that this is not possible, the peace between the quarrellers is gone. "The two defendants have ruined my life. I want 10,000 euros for my broken nose!" demands the first defendant. The other counters: "Then I want 20,000 euros. My injuries speak volumes!"

On the evening of September 6, the two men got into an argument in the dining car of the ÖBB Railjet. "He wanted me to break up with my lover," explains the first defendant. "We were both very drunk. One word led to another."

Shortly afterwards, the sparks flew between them. The end: two people covered in blood, a broken nose and a broken bottle neck, which fortunately was only used to threaten the other. At the end of the trial, the defendants waived any compensation for pain and suffering suffered by the other.

Because the 24-year-old Syrian already has a previous conviction, he is sentenced to a fine of 1040 euros. The blameless second defendant, who had only defended himself, gets off scot-free.