Serious sexual allegations against a Franciscan friar in Tyrol. The preacher is said to have abused an altar boy for years. However, he made no “confession” in court.
“I liked him – he was like a father figure to me,” said the 24-year-old victim at the Innsbruck court. For the girl, it was “normal” that the 66-year-old brother and acolyte groped and in some cases severely abused the former altar boy for years. “He always said that I should not say anything to anyone. Only later did I realize that it was not normal,” said the suspect’s “favorite altar boy”.
With sweets and hugs
At the start of the attacks, the student was only eight years old. The monk built up a special bond of trust with sweets and cuddly toys, money gifts and all-inclusive holidays for the little one, her mother and brothers and sisters. “My client did not steal the money from offering boxes, but it was donations from other believers that he passed on,” emphasizes lawyer Franz Essl.
25,000 euros for victims
Over time, however, loving hugs for financial support were no longer enough for the man. “The assaults have gradually increased,” said the prosecutor. The brother, who only partially confessed, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. In addition, he must pay any further therapy costs. The young woman has already received 25,000 euros from the Victim Protection Commission of the Catholic Church. The verdict is not yet legally binding.
Source: Krone
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