In Hamburg, a 54-year-old has been acquitted of the suspected attempted murder of a girl. The evidence showed that the man was not guilty, said the chairman of the criminal division, Anne Meier-Göring. Investigators had blamed the accused for an offense almost 38 years ago.
In early November 1980, a 16-year-old was attacked, according to the prosecutor. The perpetrator stabbed the girl with a hunting knife. When he thought the teenager was dead, he should have tried to rape her. When passers-by came, he took flight. The girl survived thanks to an emergency operation.
Judge Meier-Goering said at the verdict, the evidence would not have been sufficient for a proof of guilt. She accused the Hamburg police of serious investigation errors. There are indications that the Soko "cold cases" have deceived a witness and moved with a reward to a statement.
The case was considered a great achievement of unity. At the beginning of February, a special police detachment in Hamburg arrested the suspect, who was eventually charged. In the process, prosecutors and defense demanded an acquittal for the 54-year-old. The evidence was not sufficient in her opinion for a conviction.
The man sat for four and a half months in remand, but he gets a compensation of 25 euros per day, according to a court spokesman. For damages during the search of his apartment, he could also apply for compensation. At the end of June the man was released under conditions.