The defendant, who was 17 at the time of the stabbing in January 2021, must fulfil a number of conditions over five years to retain his right to probation. He will spend six years in prison – less than the prosecution’s request of eight years - and will also have to pay over a quarter of a million euros in damages to a number of people.
His lawyer, Marc Lentz, said the sentence was too harsh, announcing his intention to study the judge’s motivation and make a decision with his client, although it is highly likely they will appeal the verdict.
“Witnesses on the night couldn’t provide more clarity”, Lentz said. “We pleaded self-defence, which is legitimate, and there was provocation on behalf of the victim. That was not upheld in the verdict.”
The defendant was not present in the courtroom when the verdict was read out. Last year he admitted to the stabbing, but maintained he had not intended to kill the victim.
The second suspect in the case, a friend of the deceased, received nine months in prison with integrated suspension for his role in the brawl. He was sentenced for causing bodily harm.
