Shock in Bobenheim-Roxheim: Jogger defends herself against attack!

Shock in Bobenheim-Roxheim: Jogger defends herself against attack!

An incomprehensible crime shocked the community of Bobenheim-Roxheim in Rhineland-Palatinate. A 20-year-old refugee, Mahmud H., who only came to Germany in October 2023, attacked a 49-year-old jogger on a dirt path in May 2024. The brutal attack occurred on a summer evening when the perpetrator chased the woman, blocked her path and demanded sexual acts. The brave woman fought back violently, scratching his face and possibly preventing something worse from happening. These defensive wounds ultimately led to the arrest of Mahmud H. in neighboring Worms.

After this attack, community peace was thrown into turmoil. Although the police acted quickly and caught the perpetrator, there was great outrage. The trial painted a shocking picture of Mahmud H.'s lack of remorse. The refugee confessed to the attack but showed no remorse. Worse still: In prison he is said to have bragged about the crime and even planned to repeat a similar crime with fellow inmates. The presiding judge Alexander Melahn sentenced him to five years and six months in prison for sexual assault and bodily harm. He also noted in his verdict that the refugee was prosecuted under juvenile criminal law. However, the required penalty range was higher.

Understanding and judgment of the Court

The psychiatric reports took an additional look at the perpetrator's background. The specialist Ralf Werner confirmed that Mahmud H. was fully responsible, regardless of a possible stress disorder due to his childhood in Syria, which was marked by violence and civil war. The public prosecutor, represented by Daniel Mayr, demanded a seven-year prison sentence, while defense attorney Volker Hoffmann argued for a lighter sentence. The verdict is not yet final and the proceedings were largely closed to the public to protect the victim.