Court sentences man after months of abuse of former partner

A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 months in prison after allegedly abusing and controlling his former partner over several months, ORF reported. Three months of the sentence must be served. The verdict issued by the regional court in Ried on Wednesday is legally binding.

According to the prosecution, the man subjected his former cohabiting partner to severe physical and psychological pressure. He allegedly controlled, threatened and abused her, allowed her to leave their flat only rarely and took away her mobile phone.

The prosecution said he followed her around the shared flat to prevent her from escaping. He allegedly sometimes brought food and drink to her room to further restrict her freedom of movement.

The man was also accused of repeatedly choking the woman, in some cases until she lost consciousness. He allegedly struck her head against the floor and a wall, and in one incident hit her on the head with a blunt butter knife.

When the woman wanted to end the relationship, the man allegedly threatened to kill her, according to the prosecution.

The 28-year-old was arrested on June 6. The prosecution said he resisted violently and injured a police officer. He was therefore also prosecuted for resisting state authority and causing bodily harm.

The Ried regional court found him guilty and imposed the 10-month sentence, with three months to be served unconditionally.