16-year-old accepts diversion after school flooding caused 500,000-euro damage

Two 16-year-old boys appeared before Vienna’s criminal court on Monday over alleged serious property damage after their school in Währing was flooded in February, ORF reported. The damage exceeded 500,000 euros. The first accused accepted a diversion agreement, while proceedings against the second were postponed.

During a school event, the boys allegedly blocked the washbasin drains and turned on the water. The first accused expressed remorse, saying he had not intended to cause such extensive damage. He said he had wanted to “play the hero” and prove himself, and had assumed the incident would be discovered much earlier.

The second accused pleaded not guilty. According to the first accused, he was not present when the act took place. The testimony heard in court primarily implicated the first accused. The main witness against the second accused was absent due to illness, so proceedings against him were postponed until October 8.

The case against the first accused will be discontinued if he fulfils the conditions of the diversion agreement. He must complete 60 hours of community service within six months and pay the injured parties a symbolic amount of 500 euros.