The Landau regional court sentenced the defendant to twelve years in prison for the kidnapping and sexual abuse of a ten-year-old in Edenkoben, Palatinate. The judge spoke of a "high but appropriate" sentence.
After his most recent prison sentence, the defendant acted with a 'rapid rate of relapse' and was dangerous to the general public. The case caused a national stir, and the defendant admitted the crime at the start of the trial. He grew up as one of 13 children and "at some point became a criminal.”. In a statement made by his defense attorney, he emphasized that he regretted the crime. He has also been convicted of sexual offenses several times. The court also ordered preventive detention for the defendant, who was arrested after a wild chase and the child was rescued. The judge said: "I have great respect for the way you took part here." The man has been found guilty of, among other things, rape, abduction of minors, and bodily harm.