Passau: Man sentenced to eight years for car attack on ex-partner and others

A court in Passau has sentenced a 49-year-old Iraqi man to eight years in prison for a violent attack involving his car. The man intentionally drove his vehicle at his former partner, her friend, and their five-year-old daughter, causing serious injuries to the women and minor injuries to the child. He was convicted of attempted murder of the friend, attempted manslaughter of the ex-partner, and dangerous bodily harm and interference with road traffic.

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The chamber was convinced that the accused deliberately drove at the person group at least 50 kilometers per hour.

The court determined that the man deliberately drove at the group at speeds of at least 50 kilometers per hour, rejecting his claims of losing control and calling the incident an accident. The judges were convinced of his intent to kill both women, although the ex-partner was the primary target. The attack was described as a spontaneous act during a heated situation. The court also considered aggravating factors, including the man physically assaulting his ex-partner after the car incident, striking and kicking her while she was partially under the vehicle.

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The accused showed no remorse or pity at all.

While the prosecution sought eleven years for attempted murder, citing malice aforethought, base motives, and common danger, the court differentiated the charges. They found the friend's attack to be attempted murder due to the element of surprise, as she did not anticipate the assault. However, the attack on the ex-partner was classified as attempted manslaughter, as she had been warned by a friend shortly before the incident, negating the element of surprise required for murder charges. The man's motive stemmed from his refusal to accept the separation and the custody arrangement for their daughter.

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The ex-partner was the target object.