AUSTRIA
The Local
An 81-year-old former priest sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexual and physical abuse of at least 24 victims has had his sentence confirmed by the Higher Regional Court in Linz on Thursday.
During the period 1967-1996, August M. committed violent and sexual attacks on his students while head of a Catholic boarding school run by Kremsmünster Abbey in Upper Austria.
He used a bull whip, hands and feet while beating students. He specialized in a two-handed slap to the head. Additionally, he threatened students with a shotgun, and sometimes ordered the students to beat up one of their number without repercussions.
He was also found guilty of sexually abusing 15 children whilst head of the school.
In November, August M. appealed to the high court against a custodial sentence of twelve years imposed in 2013. His appeal based on a statute of limitations defense was denied.
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