Stabbing Attempt Leads to Probation for Polish Resident
In the aftermath of a violent altercation involving a box cutter, a 40-year-old Polish man found himself facing justice in Hamburg's Regional Court. The court handed down a two-year probationary sentence, following a guilty verdict for attempted homicide and serious bodily harm. Despite the prosecutor's push for a three-year prison term, the panel agreed to leniency due to the 40-year-old's history of substance abuse and unclear recollection of events.
New Year's Eve Attack in Hausbruch
The incident unfolded in the Hausbruch district on New Year's Eve 2020, when the defendant reportedly attempted to stab a 25-year-old man in the neck. The victim managed to fend off the attacker and subdue him, suffering only a minor wound to the chin. The accused ultimately confessed to the crime during the retrial, attributing his actions to a state of fury that he now struggles to comprehend.
Initial Acquittal and Appeal
During the initial trial in December 2022, the Regional Court acquitted the defendant due to insufficient evidence. A psychiatric expert testified to the impact of drug and alcohol consumption on the accused's perception of the situation. The defendant himself explained that he could not recall the incident.
Unsatisfied with the outcome, the Prosecutor General's Office appealed the verdict to the Federal Court of Justice, which subsequently overturned the initial decision and ordered a retrial. The recent verdict remains subject to further review in a higher court.
The violent nature of the box cutter attack, coupled with the defendant's confession, ensured that the incident would be prosecuted as a crime.
Further Reading