Trial for over 100 crimes - 73-year-old man allegedly abused step-grandchildren
A 73-year-old man stands trial at the Berlin Regional Court for allegedly abusing the granddaughters of his partner for over 20 years. The public prosecutor accuses him of 110 counts of sexual assault. The five granddaughters of the defendant's wife were reportedly between three and ten years old at the time of the incidents.
At the request of the defense, the pensioner spoke about the accusations in private. The defendant is charged with sexual exploitation of wards, aggravated sexual assault of children, and possession of child pornography.
During a search of his former residence in Berlin-Zehlendorf in April 2023, over 1,000 child pornographic image files and numerous prohibited videos were found on his hard drives. The skilled electrician has been in pre-trial detention since February 2024.
Father of Girls: "I was shocked"
The son of the defendant's wife filed a police report, initiating the investigation. Two of his daughters testified that their grandfather would touch them inappropriately and had told them "that it was all normal." The father of three of the affected children was the first witness to speak out. "I was shocked."
His stepfather had been like a friend - "nice to the children, nice to us, helpful, considerate, no one would have thought of such a thing." It was an "exploitation"; "a masquerade, we had so much trust." The family is experiencing a "catastrophe" as a result of the actions. The 44-year-old witness also cut off contact with his mother.
The 73-year-old reportedly confessed to the police during the investigation. The responsible youth welfare office suggested that in addition to a prison sentence, the possibility of compulsory protective custody against the defendant was also under consideration. The hearing will continue on July 15.
- The public prosecutor's office in Berlin is actively pursuing charges against the man, including counts of sexual exploitation of wards and aggravated sexual assault of children due to the numerous instances of abuse.
- The issue of sexual assaults against children has once again highlighted the need for stricter laws and procedures to protect vulnerable individuals, as this case in Berlin shows.
- Following the allegations and subsequent discovery of child pornography, Berlin authorities are working closely with the public prosecutor's office to ensure that the perpetrator faces justice for his actions against these children.
