At some point, the 22-year-old noticeably changed; she became weak and drowsy and wanted to go home. One of her two companions took on the task. The 37-year-old family man took advantage of her drowsy state, drove up an isolated and gloomy dirt track, opened the passenger door, ripped her clothes and raped her. He ignored the young woman’s tears as she was unable to defend herself.

Three year sentence

The district court in Bonn sentenced the 37-year-old employee of the United Nations in Bonn to three years for rape. The court could not prove the original allegation that he had put knockout drops into her drink. He was not convicted of grievous bodily harm. The judges had no doubt he was aware the young woman was drowsy and heavily drunk.

Nevertheless, he took advantage of her for his sexual pleasure. He only stopped when the 22-year-old, who had previously been abused as child, whispered: “Not again.” He repeatedly said he was sorry and that he hoped she had enjoyed it too and took her home. Once home, Maria S. collapsed but was able to alert a friend by text message. She had to be taken to hospital.

Sex not consensual

Her host parents gave evidence that the Mexican had not been the same since that night. Before the incident she was cheerful and always happy, today she is, “serious, withdrawn, afraid really.” She even had to face the trial, because the accused did not spare her from giving evidence. The 37-year-old claimed the sex had been consensual but was not believed.

President of the Chamber, Klaus Reinhoff, said in the judgement: The accused is not the typical rapist, who waits for a victim in the woods. Rather he made a “terrible, wrong decision” because he desired this attractive girl; misconduct that is nevertheless unacceptable.

(Original text: Ulrike Schödel. Translated by Kate Carey)