Paal’s three-year prison sentence becomes final

Cabaret performer Günther Paal, known as “Gunkl”, must serve three years in prison after his sentence became final, ORF reported. The Vienna Regional Court imposed the unconditional sentence on Thursday.

The 64-year-old accepted his conviction for sexually abusing children and possessing child sexual abuse material. Vienna prosecutors also waived their right to appeal, spokeswoman Nina Bussek said on Friday.

Once the written judgment has been issued and delivered, Paal will have four weeks to report to the responsible prison. He could be sent to Sonnberg prison, which has places for 350 adult male prisoners serving sentences of at least 18 months and provides treatment for sex offenders.

Paal’s lawyer, Florian Höllwarth, said after the ruling that his client wanted to begin serving his sentence “as soon as possible”. Höllwarth ruled out applying to delay the sentence on health, financial or family grounds.

Electronic monitoring at home is not currently an option. Under the applicable rules, Paal would have to serve at least half his sentence before it could be considered. After serving half, he could also apply for conditional release. Paal had no previous convictions, but for sex offenders, conditional release and electronic monitoring depend on a favourable assessment that further offending can be ruled out.