A violent home invasion disguised as a routine service visit has led to prison sentences for five men, after a court in Vienna heard how an elderly woman was attacked and left seriously injured.
At the center of the case is a 19-year-old Serbian man, sentenced to seven years in prison for aggravated robbery. Prosecutors said he posed as a plumber to gain entry to the home of an 88-year-old woman in Langenzersdorf in December, according to ORF News. Once inside, he and an accomplice overpowered her, covering her mouth and tying her up before assaulting her.
The victim later told police she feared for her life as the men beat her and ignored her pleas. Despite the violence, the attackers escaped with only 120 euros and a mobile phone. The woman eventually freed herself, but her injuries were so severe that she could no longer live independently and was moved to a care facility.
In court, the 19-year-old admitted the crime, blaming drug addiction and financial problems. He expressed remorse, but prosecutors rejected his account as unconvincing.
Four other men, aged between 21 and 32, were also convicted for attempting a similar robbery months later. Using the same disguise, they planned to target another victim in Vienna, but the attempt failed when the man grew suspicious and alerted police. Investigators had already been tracking the group and arrested them soon after.
The court described the age of the victim and the brutality of the attack as key aggravating factors. The main suspect’s confession and lack of prior convictions were considered in mitigation. The victim was awarded 10,000 euros in damages.
All defendants received prison sentences ranging from two and a half to seven years. Most accepted the verdict, though it remains open to appeal.
