Whilst the defence lawyer appealed the judgement, claiming his client should not spend more time behind bars than he already has, the prosecutor requested the verdict be confirmed at the appeals' court.
The defendant explained his reason for appealing the sentence at the start of the trial, maintaining that he had not committed everything he had been accused of. He believed that ten years in prison was too long a sentence and claimed the victim had intended on raping his ex-girlfriend, which led to him punching and stabbing him.
The defendant denied tying the victim up and threatening him.
The defendant's lawyer shared his client's view that ten years was too high a sentence. He referred to the victim's testimony, highlighting the inconsistencies. The lawyer also pointed out that there was no medical certificate proving the man's injuries, nor any proof of assault and battery, which would have given the victim time off work.
The lawyer argued that his client had been motivating by defence, as the victim had attempted to rape his girlfriend. The lawyer reiterated that there was no evidence the victim had been tied up or threatened.
The prosecutor found the defendant's claims to have punched the victim because he wanted to rape the defendant's ex-girlfriend absurd, referring to the woman's testimony. She said the victim had touched her, but did not attempt to rape her.
The prosecutor also believed the victim's testimony to be credible, having received proof of the kidnapping and noting that the victim remained fearful even to this day. The prosecutor concluded the events had had an impact on the victim.
The verdict will be laid down on 2 July.
