At the beginning of December, a Lower Austrian gave three acquaintances a big scare: after an argument, he returned to the bar armed with a crossbow – the laser pointer of the aiming device pointed at the head of one of the men. The Public Prosecution Service sees the attempted murder as a reason for admission. For defender Philipp Winkler it is now essential: “Did he want to pull the trigger or not?”
The 37-year-old sits quietly in the dock and calmly talks about his career so far: “I grew up in a well-protected place.” He graduated with a high school diploma. “Then I got lost in the Juridicum for two years. Then I ended up at a bank and I worked there for fifteen years.” But what has stuck with him for a long time: “I have a bipolar disorder. So I am manic-depressive.”
Drugs and alcohol caused memory gaps
That is why he is now in the regional court in Korneuburg (Lower Austria). Under the influence of his personality disorder, the prescribed medications and too much alcohol, he allegedly tried to kill someone on December 6, 2023. “I want to start by saying the victim walked away with a shock,” the prosecutor begins.
There was an argument between him and three acquaintances in a bar in the victim’s hometown in the Weinviertel. “I remember we had fun. The last pictures I have are actually positive. “I don’t know what happened to change the situation so much,” says the 37-year-old from Lower Austria. Because he can’t remember the incident at all – which is due to the drugs and the nine beers.
Aiming at the head with a crossbow
The witnesses describe that he suddenly behaved unpleasantly and made right-wing radical statements. But after an argument he left the restaurant. But only to get his crossbow from home – pointed it straight at the head of a man present. The 37-year-old was immediately wrestled to the ground. For lawyer Philipp Winkler, an intention to commit murder is almost absurd: “It is still necessary to pull the trigger. The question that now arises is whether he wanted to pull the trigger or not.”
Due to his mental health, the Lower Austrian does not risk a prison sentence. The jury must decide whether to place him in a forensic therapeutic center. According to the court psychiatrist, all requirements apply. Attorney Winkler is convinced that therapy instructions would be sufficient for his client. After all, he had insight into his illness. A decision is still pending.
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.
