Didn't the prosecutor admit in the closing arguments that Brunlehner exaggerated the injuries? I think I read that in one of the articles.

The charge given by the judge was intentional bodily harm, with no mention of brass knuckles and I'm sure he took Ernst's previous "indiscretions" into account as well - which he has to. I certainly think the fine is a little steep but it won't hurt Ernst. We all know that he's not exactly strapped for cash and the fees for the lawyers and everything probably cost more. Most judicial systems aren't to do with justice, they're to do with law (please excuse the politicised comment

) and let's face it - a judge isn't really going to consider Caroline's testimony the most reliable, because of the rather obvious bias. I'm not saying Caroline would commit perjury, but the judge has to take things like this into account. The most reliable testimony (unless there were other witnesses - the incident was at a party wasn't it?) would in fact be Josef Brunlehner's. Not exactly fair, but it's the truth. Besides, he can always appeal again.
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