After a year of investigation, the trial of a 53-year-old driving instructor, who allegedly sexually assaulted female drivers aged between 15 and 24, took place at the court in Feldkirchen on Friday. Now the verdict is in.
A student driver who confided in the owner of the driving school in February 2022 got the matter rolling. She claimed to have been sexually harassed by her driving instructor. And she was not alone: in the months that followed, about 70 victims reported to the police after a phone call, and the criminal report eventually included 16 women.
From the end of 2017 to February 2022, the driving instructor groped his students – whom he constantly called “Mausi” or “Schatzi” – during the training rides. He also made a confession about it.
The patient suffers from insomnia
Judge Irene Malle-De Cillia began to read the young women’s statements. Everything that happens in the car stays in the car. The basic thrust of the statements: the attacks were all perceived as “unpleasant, abominable and disgusting”. One of those affected is still suffering the consequences of the crime, according to her private party representative, who demanded 300 euros in partial pain compensation, suffers from sleep disorders and is withdrawing socially.
According to the judge, the actions were not a “slipper”: “You shamelessly exploited your position of power. If you’re driving the car, if the girls are in it and have to concentrate, you’ve committed your crimes.” you’re moving into “abuse of a relationship of authority” with much harsher penalties.
Two months in prison
There would have been a threat of a prison sentence of up to six months, as two months’ probation is quite strict, explains Malle-De Cillia: “Normally there is a fine on first convictions with such a sentence. However, the verdict should make you and the general public aware that this is not a trivial offense.”
Originally, about 70 young women reported the cause to the police, but in the end only 16 cases led to a conviction, partly because the offense in its current form has only been punishable since 2016. The defendant accepted the verdict, prosecutor Zepitz made no statement. The verdict is therefore not final.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
