A 50-year-old man from Leeds, UK, who bit the victim outside a bar in St. Anton during his skiing holiday in February 2024, pleaded “partly guilty” at the Innsbruck Regional Court. The incident made headlines because the opponent missed the tip of his nose.
On that Sunday, shortly after 8 p.m., there were of course tumultuous and extremely wild scenes in the well-known winter sports resort on the Arlberg: two groups of British holidaymakers clashed violently. After punches, kicks and punches, the fatal bite finally followed, which cost the suspect’s opponent the tip of his nose.
‘Prehistory’ was under discussion
Earlier, as became clear during the hearing on Wednesday, there was an incident in a bar. “My friend suddenly stood in front of me with his face covered in blood and told me about attacks and violence,” the defendant told judge Andrea Wegscheider and the jury.
Suspect with amnesia
That’s probably why things escalated completely in front of the restaurant. The suspect pulled down a man from the “opponent” group, kicked him, and eventually bit him, causing him to lose part of the tip of his nose. “I don’t remember the kick or the bite,” the man said, but admitted that “that’s how it happened,” especially since surveillance video clearly shows the fight.
He repeatedly denied that the bite was intended to seriously injure his opponent.
Damage claim of 32,000 euros
In any case, all this “does not fit my usual style at all”, the Briton explained in tears. He was ashamed and regretted the crime “from the bottom of his heart”, he also said to the victim who was questioned as a witness, who accepted his apology somewhat coolly but nevertheless.
Anyway, his representative made people sit up with a large amount of money, which he demanded because of the injuries and the aftermath: there was about 32,000 euros in the room. Lawyers and victims of the defense, however, found 5,000 euros – also handed over in cash on the spot – appropriate.
The hearing has been adjourned indefinitely
The hearing was eventually postponed without a specific date, because the suspect’s lawyer wanted to hear more witnesses. On Wednesday, they did not travel all the way from England to Tyrol.
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.
