Image: VOLKER WEIHBOLD
The 33-year-old member of a church community in the Waldviertel was entrusted with the children and young people by their parents to supervise. Sexual assaults may have occurred during overnight stays at the accused’s home. The Romanian native pleaded guilty.
According to the prosecutor, the married father of four children was a member of a religious community in which many families who came to Austria from Romania meet regularly. The 33-year-old has repeatedly provided support in organizational matters and has thus developed “a solid relationship of trust” with other community members.
Children spent the night with the defendant
On this basis, the defendant invited boys and girls from his acquaintances to spend the night with him, said the representative of the prosecution. This is where the attacks are said to have occurred. One victim ultimately filed a complaint, and the others decided to testify “after they realized that they were not the only victim.” Six of those affected are male and one victim is female.
As a background, the public prosecutor noted that the 33-year-old said he was attracted to men. In order to suppress homosexuality, the legally innocent man married very early. Defense attorney Rudolf Mayer made a similar statement and emphasized that the defendant should have undergone psychotherapy.
Made a full confession
The accused had already “made a full confession” to the police, Mayer emphasized. “My client has messed up his life, we don’t even need to talk about it.” The 33-year-old is not an illusionist and “of course knows that he will get a prison sentence.”
The victim’s representative claimed partial compensation of 10,000 euros for all those affected. After the opening lectures, the public was excluded.
In the jury trial, the 33-year-old is accused of rape, serious sexual abuse of minors and sexual abuse of defenseless or mentally impaired people. In addition, there is abuse of authority and sexual harassment. The entire crime period extends from January 2016 to August this year. The defendant faces up to ten years in prison. A verdict was expected in the afternoon hours.
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Source: Nachrichten
