Köln: Man Attacks Passersby and Bites Off Officer's Ear

Köln, Germany - A 39-year-old man, identified as Mbanbe M., was brought to court on Monday morning under heavy police escort, handcuffed and shackled. Six months after a violent incident in which he randomly attacked individuals in downtown Köln, authorities remain concerned about his potential threat to public safety.

On November 15 of the previous year, prosecutors allege that Mbanbe M. exhibited uncontrollable behavior, attacking three men in succession with a key, resulting in injuries to their heads. The police were alerted and two female officers responded to the scene, where they attempted to apprehend the suspect. During the arrest process, he reportedly shoved one officer to the ground and dragged her by the hair.

When additional police units arrived, they managed to subdue Mbanbe M., but he continued to resist violently. It was during this struggle that he bit off a portion of one officer's ear. Although medical personnel attempted to reattach the severed piece, the procedure was ultimately unsuccessful, leaving the officer to deal with the long-term repercussions of the attack, which has resulted in ongoing health issues.

During the court proceedings, Mbanbe M.'s attorney explained that his client had consumed cocaine prior to the incident and had no recollection of the events that unfolded afterward. He acknowledged that the allegations against Mbanbe M. were likely accurate.

As part of a victim-offender mediation process, Mbanbe M.'s lawyer presented the injured officer's representative with a compensation payment of EUR1,000. The trial is expected to continue until May 21.