Court delays detention of man who threatened officers

A court in Krems has ordered a man’s placement in a forensic-therapeutic centre but postponed its implementation, leaving him free under supervision and treatment conditions, ORF reported Wednesday.

The man faced trial at the Krems Regional Court over incidents in July involving police officers and prison staff. Prosecutors said he threatened them and tried to attack them. In one incident, he threw a drinking glass at two police officers, who were able to dodge it. At Krems Prison, he allegedly tried to take an officer’s service weapon. While being returned from hospital, he kicked a prison officer.

The court found that the man had been under the influence of a severe mental disorder and was not criminally responsible at the time. It ordered his placement in a forensic-therapeutic centre because it considered further serious offences highly likely, but postponed the order’s implementation. He was released and placed under probation supervision.

During the three-year probation period, he must continue taking his current medication, attend monthly psychiatric check-ups and provide a blood test every six months to show he is taking the medication. The ruling is final. Both the prosecution and the defendant waived their right to appeal.