Halle (dpa/sa) - At the beginning of the trial for an alleged attempted murder in downtown Eisleben, the accused expressed deep regret about his act. He wished he could turn back time, said the 42-year-old defendant on Monday in the Halle district court. According to the indictment, he is said to have attacked his separated wife with a knife in June. The woman suffered severe injuries to her liver, lungs and neck. She survived only after an emergency operation.
The public prosecutor suspects jealousy as a motive for the crime. However, the defendant said on Monday that previous altercations with the eventual victim mostly revolved around the three children. The woman had therefore made contact with their children almost impossible for him. Again and again he tried to get closer, his wife repeatedly denied him this wish. If convicted, the accused faces a life sentence.
