Because he allegedly assaulted two primary school students as a lifeguard at an indoor swimming pool some 20 years ago, a 70-year-old was on trial in St. Pölten on Thursday. The accused, who pleaded not guilty during the jury trial, became entangled in numerous contradictions during his interrogation…
According to the indictment, the suspect approached the two victims, born in 1991 and in the fourth grade of primary school, in the indoor pool and offered to show them the “butterfly pool” in the basement. The attack in the facility’s massage room is believed to have taken place between September 2001 and summer 2002 – the exact date can no longer be determined, according to the prosecutor’s office. A victim filed a complaint against unknown persons in 2021.
The 70-year-old was investigated on the basis of a description of the perpetrator and his place of residence. One of the two women had also recognized the suspect on the street and with the police in a photo album from a company outing. “He was pretty sure there is no other option,” the prosecutor said of the 70-year-old.
The lawyer had to clarify “whether it is the correct suspect or whether there is a mix-up of persons”. He asked for acquittal in case of doubt. According to the private party representative, the incident was described by his client “in great detail, clearly and unambiguously”. He entered the case on behalf of the woman with a symbolic amount of 1000 euros.
Witnesses contradicted the suspect
“It wasn’t me,” said the suspect, who also said he didn’t want access to the massage room. However, two former colleagues testified that the lifeguards had master keys. From time to time we also took a “nap” in the massage room. The 70-year-old’s statement that he did not have long hair at the time also contradicted photos and witness interviews.
The 70-year-old said he had never had a sexual interest in teens. It was prevented that during the search child pornography had been found on the removed part of the hard drive of his laptop. However, this was not part of the charge and the investigation into the pornographic depiction of minors has been suspended for the time being.
The retiree was found guilty of serious sexual abuse of minors and not legally sentenced to 24 months, of which 16 months on probation. “They took the opportunity and lured the two girls into the basement,” the presiding judge said in the verdict. The private parties received 500 euros. The verdict should show the public “that such acts will be punished,” the judge said.
The fact that there were two victims, among other things, made the sentence more severe. The normal way of life until now and the fact that the act happened a long time ago softened this. Prosecutors and defense have not made a statement.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
