Bonn court case Man who attacked taxi driver with knife sentenced to six and a half years

Bonn · A 33-year-old man was sentenced by the Bonn district court on Monday to six and a half years in prison for a knife attack on a taxi driver. The court ruled the drug addict must spend part of the sentence in a drug rehabilitation centre.

The decision was a surprise. The 33-year-old drug addict attacked and wounded a taxi driver with a knife in Annagraben on 12 January while travelling as a passenger. However, the court found him guilty not of attempted murder, as accused, but of grievous bodily harm and attempted aggravated robbery. The sentence was nevertheless severe. The criminal court is sending the man behind bars for six and a half years and further ordered him to be sent to a secure drug rehabilitation centre.

“No, it wasn’t attempted murder,” explained the head judge, Josef Janßen. “It was a nightmare, that became reality for the taxi driver.” It was the second time the 46-year-old father had been attacked.

When the driver collected the 33-year-old passenger on the day of the attack, he did not suspect anything untoward and it was broad daylight. However, the court was convinced the man had ordered the taxi to attack the driver and steal his money and the taxi. “He also had no money with him to pay for the taxi,” said the judge.

The 33-year-old, who, despite his drug consumption from a young age and unfortunate family circumstances, had completed school and trained as an IT expert in Russia, completely fell by the wayside in Germany. His qualifications were not recognised, he found no work and became more dependent on drugs. State support and contributions from his grandmother were not sufficient. He borrowed money from dangerous men and after coming under increasing pressure from them, decided to carry out the attack.

After visiting his grandfather’s grave, he was driven to Annagraben, where he grabbed the driver from behind and held a knife to his throat. When the driver grabbed his hand, he became afraid of being overpowered by the stronger man and stabbed him. “A single time, so as to get himself out of the situation and not to kill him,” said Judge Janßen.

The knife hit the driver’s head and slid to his neck. The driver wanted to get out but the defendant, who wanted the taxi, stood in front of his door. He pulled at the driver, who resisted and suffered a cut to the hand and cried for help. The defendant then fled and threw the knife away. He was caught three days later.

The court took into account the defendant’s contrition and his reputation but weighed against that the severe effects on the victim, who is not only traumatised, but has also been financially affected. The 46-year-old can now only drive during the day and has suffered heavy losses. His lawyer, Gudrun Roth, said a GA reader had offered financial help to the family after reading previous reports.

In a final word, the defendant asked for the victim’s forgiveness and confirmed how much he regretted the incident. The 33-year-old agreed to enter the secure rehabilitation centre and said he hoped to finally be free of drugs and to change his life.

Original text: Rita Klein. Translated by Kate Carey.

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