A crowd that would exceed the size of any courtroom attended the trial of a 21-year-old. The young Serb negligently killed his best friend in a car accident. The partial sentence of fifteen months caused dissatisfaction among the almost 150 relatives – and a police operation.
It is a process based on a tragedy: on May 5, in the early morning hours, a terrible traffic accident took place on Leberstrasse in Vienna-Simmering. A 19-year-old was killed in a collision with a parked bus. His best friend, who was driving the car involved in the accident, is now facing charges.
More viewers than a short trial
On the day of his trial, almost 150 of the victim’s relatives gather in front of the far too small room of the regional court in Vienna – until judge Andreas Hautz even has to postpone the trial. In the new and larger hearing room, the spectators were even allowed to stand shoulder to shoulder.
“Alternatively, we only have the main jury courtroom and that is occupied elsewhere – although we have more spectators.” Judgments against ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz are expected there – the police officers deployed there will be brought to trial for manslaughter due to negligence in the short term.
Lost control with a 400 hp BMW
“I’ve had a lot of flashbacks since then. I blame myself every day,” says the young Serb in the dock. Because it was he who lost control of the 1-Series BMW with sports equipment – which was also tuned to 400 hp – after a bend at almost 100 km/h. At this speed, the vehicle’s passenger door slammed into the bus. The 19-year-old was killed instantly and suffered traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding. The 21-year-old was also seriously injured.
The irony of the terrible situation: the powerful BMW belonged to the deceased 19-year-old. “I wanted to try out the car. I liked tuned cars. But I don’t regret anything more than getting behind the wheel of the car that day. I would be happier if I had died and not my friend. I would give my life to get him back,” the defendant sobbed in the presence of the judge.
Defender gets displeasure from the crowd
His lawyer Elmar Kresbach tries to put the accident into perspective – to the horror of his relatives: ‘There is an old saying: the devil does not sleep. And everything came together in the incident.” – a fast car, young boys with too much testosterone and the bus parked in exactly the wrong place. “He almost suffers the most,” Kresbach gets a disdainful snort from the crowd.
Angry relatives and friends prompted the police to take action
But for judge Andreas Hautz it is clear: ‘Anyone who gets into such a car and drives through the area at that speed will sit for a while.’ That means: 15 months, four of which in prison. And Mr Rat also holds the car industry responsible: “As long as such vehicles are mass-produced, young men will die on our roads. Who needs such nonsense?”
A verdict that horrified the relatives and friends of the now 19-year-old. Some jumped up and shouted at the judge. Others shout loudly at the 21-year-old – who has to be led to the back room. A woman starts shouting angrily: ‘Murderer! Murderers!” The crowd has to be escorted from the regional court by numerous police officers.
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.
