Former SOS Children's Village Worker Denies Abuse Allegations in Salzburg Trial

Defendant's Denials and Prior Conviction

The defendant, who was dismissed from SOS Children's Village in 2019 after similar allegations surfaced, insisted on his innocence. "Stimmt nicht," he repeatedly told the court. "Ich habe die Mädchen nie nackt gesehen," he said, denying ever entering the bathroom while the girls showered or touching them inappropriately.

The man has a prior conviction from 2021 for sexually abusing another minor, for which he received an eight-month suspended sentence. "Aus der früheren Verurteilung lassen sich aber durchaus die Neigungen des Angeklagten ableiten," the prosecutor argued. Defense lawyer Michael Hofer countered that the charges were exaggerated, saying, "Man muss sich überlegen, ob die Aussagen in sich stimmig sind oder ob es äußere Einflüsse der Pädagogin gab."

Institutional Failures and Aftermath

A retired caregiver from the facility testified that the girls had complained in 2018 about the defendant entering the bathroom, though they did not initially report sexual abuse. "Für mich war das damit abgeschlossen, ich habe da nicht weiter nachgefragt," she admitted, expressing regret for not pursuing the matter further.

SOS Children's Village terminated the man’s employment in May 2019 after the allegations came to light. If convicted, he faces additional penalties on top of his 2021 sentence. The court is treating the case as if the defendant had no prior record to ensure a fair trial.