The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has rejected an appeal filed by a karate trainer against a ruling issued by the Dessau-Roßlau Regional Court. The initial court had sentenced him to a total prison term of 13 years for serious sexual abuse of children in 103 cases, among other offenses.
The accused, who trains a karate club, exploited his position to commit sexual acts against children and adolescents between 1998 and 2010. The Regional Court of Dessau-Roßlau had found that the accused had abused the vulnerable individuals entrusted to his care in 141 instances.
The Sixth Criminal Senate of the Federal Court of Justice, based in Leipzig, found no legal errors in the decision made by the lower court. Consequently, the decision confirming the order for custodial detention was upheld.
The accused admitted to committing the crimes. The conviction also integrates sentences from a previous judgment. The decision is now legally binding (ruling dated June 24, 2026 – 6 StR 230/26).
