St. Pölten court sentences man to 12 years for attempted murder

A 46-year-old Moroccan man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison by the St. Pölten Regional Court for attempted murder following a violent attack in Herzogenburg. The defendant claimed to have experienced a “blackout” during the incident, which occurred while he was under the influence of high levels of alcohol, cannabis, and pills.

The victim, a 47-year-old retiree, reported that the attacker frequently stated he becomes “angry when he drinks whisky.” The assault involved physical violence and the use of a kitchen knife. While the defendant claimed he believed he was defending himself against a fighting dog in a dream, blood evidence on his clothing confirmed his involvement in the attack.