Teenager Sentenced for Assaulting 9-Year-Old; Young Victim Calls Rescuer 'Angel'

Meißen, Germany - A 19-year-old apprentice has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison after he was found guilty of assaulting a 9-year-old girl. The incident occurred as the young girl was walking home from school, where the perpetrator followed her into a stairwell with the intent to commit a crime. Fortunately, a 63-year-old shop assistant played a crucial role in preventing further harm to the child.

The key witness in the case was Bettina S., who works in a shoe store located on the ground floor of a multi-family building in downtown Meißen. During her break, she heard distressing sounds from the stairwell, specifically the frightened cries of a child pleading 'no, no.' She also noted a male voice repeatedly saying 'psst, psst.' Concerned, she immediately opened the fire door to investigate.

What she witnessed was alarming. Bettina described the terrified eyes of the girl, who was visibly shaking and crying. Acting quickly, she pulled the child into the store, closed the door, and notified the police while watching the assailant flee the scene.

It took four months for law enforcement to apprehend the suspect. Investigators eventually matched his DNA, leading to his identification. The perpetrator had a previous police record; however, charges related to child pornography were dropped after he attended a youth rehabilitation program.

During the trial, the prosecution sought a four-year sentence, citing the severity of the crime. However, the presiding judge, Wolfgang Blümbott, opted for a lesser sentence, recognizing the defendant's acknowledgement of guilt, which spared the child from further testimony. Additionally, the judge noted that the defendant expressed a willingness to pay compensation to the victim, amounting to 5,000 euros, which would be payable once he is able to earn an income again.

The victim expressed her gratitude to her rescuer after the trial. Bettina revealed that the young girl had presented her with a bouquet of flowers and referred to her as her 'angel,' highlighting the profound impact of the incident on both the child and her rescuer.