Defendant appeals conviction in Grossglockner death case

The defence has filed a full appeal against the conviction in the Grossglockner death case, ORF reported on Thursday. The prosecution now has four weeks to respond before the Higher Regional Court decides whether to uphold, amend or overturn the verdict.

The defendant was convicted in mid-February of grossly negligent manslaughter after his 33-year-old girlfriend died of hypothermia on the Grossglockner. A first-instance court sentenced him to five months in prison, suspended, and an unconditional fine.

Defence lawyer Kurt Jelinek filed the appeal on grounds of nullity, guilt and sentence. The review will examine possible legal or procedural errors, the question of guilt and the severity of the punishment.

The Higher Regional Court can confirm the verdict, amend it or overturn it in full or in part.