A 58-year-old entrepreneur was on trial for arson in Graz on Tuesday. Apparently cancer had thrown her off course and she became addicted to alcohol. “I can’t explain myself what happened,” she said. Fortunately, the fire in the attic of a residential area was discovered in time. The woman was given a partial prison sentence, which she accepted.
In May, a fire broke out in the roof of an apartment in the south of Graz. It quickly became clear to the detectives that it was arson. Not the only one lately. Palm branches, garbage bags, a sheet and the wall were also set on fire.
Prosecutor Martin Heissenberger sees the motive for the fire as a threatening move. The company that owns the apartments wants to renovate the complex and all tenants have to leave, including the entrepreneur with her specialty store.
“I have no memory”
“The evidence is clear. A bottle with traces of it was found at the crime scene.” – “I can’t remember anything. I can’t explain it,” says 58-year-old judge Hanspeter Draxler. “Financially, moving was a good solution. That was never a problem.” The company and her partner are everything to her, “I would have destroyed everything with that.”
“Murdemic Alcohol Addiction”
The defender explains the highly dangerous behavior with a “homicidal alcohol addiction combined with sedatives”. After her cancer, her system collapsed.” Her condition has now improved in custody. The tablets were gradually discontinued, “she no longer has access to alcohol.”
Partial detention
The verdict, ultimately for attempted arson and material damage, is 21 months in prison, of which seven months are unconditional. She accepts the punishment. The prosecutor has not made a statement. The verdict is therefore not final.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
