In desperation, because the debts became too high for him and he saw no other way out, a Bosnian attacked a fast food chain in Graz-Strassegang in January. It failed because the clerks didn’t know the safe’s code. The father of the family was convicted in Graz on Tuesday.
“My father was shot in Afghanistan. When I saw the gun, there was pure fear. I only thought about my family and hoped nothing would happen!” – One of the victims, a male cleaner, dramatically describes the situation of the robbery before Judge Hanspeter Draxler. His colleague is also traumatized: “I was shaking completely. The gun had a silencer. I didn’t know it wasn’t real.”
“I Would Have Been Scared Too”
“Sorry from the bottom of my heart!” – In broken German, the robber tries to come up with an apology, which the victims also accept. The 35-year-old Bosnian speaks very softly, you feel his emotions. “I would have been scared too,” he says. “Do you regret what you did?” the judge asks him. “That word is not strong enough to express how I really feel.”
Heavily in debt
But how did the father of three with a good job come up with this idea? After his small business went bankrupt, he had accumulated $170,000 in debt. “The psychological pressure was too great. My wife blamed me for our financial situation. That’s how I tried to get money.” He had expected 10,000 euros.
“Should Not Minimize”
“It was pure desperation,” emphasizes his lawyer Hermann Kienast, “and completely contradicts his previous life.” Prosecutor Arnulf Rumpold also has to admit that there are rarely such repentant and confessing perpetrators. “However, one should not downplay what he has done and what it means for the victims,” said the prosecutor.
The verdict: 21 months unconditional prison. He supposes. “I just want to get back to my family as soon as possible.” The prosecutor has not issued a statement, so the verdict is 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.
