Infinite process

How wheelchair has kept court busy for 3 years

The Regional Court for Criminal Matters in Graz

(Bild: JÜRGEN RADSPIELER)

Did a Styrian woman fake her inability to walk? The trial in Graz has been going on for three years, with over ten trial days already scheduled. But the 57-year-old only appeared three times. She didn't appear again on Wednesday - because an attack was allegedly carried out on her in a private clinic.

It all began in 2015: a door allegedly fell on the Styrian woman's foot in a rented apartment in the city of Graz. Since then, she has been dependent on a wheelchair. She demanded over 5,000 euros from the city for conversion work.

Defendant allegedly in debt
The public prosecutor's office found attempted, serious fraud. The woman had never been confined to a wheelchair and her mobility had never been restricted. However, the defendant had high debts.

(Bild: HFW Villach)

Over ten trial days have already been scheduled since 2020. However, the 57-year-old was only present at three (!) dates. She repeatedly fell ill at short notice. Once a suspected coronavirus, then gastrointestinal problems, a shoulder operation and an alleged suicide attempt. She had a medical certificate for each incident.

Shopping with high heels
In May 2022, the Styrian woman appeared in court after all. At the time, a video was shown of her shopping - on foot, in high heels, without a wheelchair. They were orthopaedic shoes, the defendant explained. And she had taken certain medication so that she could walk.

Her lawyer added that she also suffers from panic attacks and has seen doors and windows falling down everywhere since the accident. A private expert opinion confirmed this.

A trial in her absence would be possible, for example. However, the defendant would have to agree to this because it is a jury trial. But she doesn't want that.

Gerichtssprecherin Barbara Schwarz

Immense court costs
Keyword expert opinion: Three expert reports have already had to be commissioned by the court - on the consequences of the accident and on fitness to stand trial. Anyone can imagine the costs. As well as the personnel costs when hearings have to be canceled and witnesses and the like have to be summoned each time.

Attack on the accused with a syringe in a private clinic
This was also the case on Wednesday. The disabled pensioner informed the court in writing that she had been attacked with a syringe during treatment in a private clinic and was not fit to stand trial. The court must therefore continue to be patient. There is no legal remedy ...