The credibility of the victims in the Paderborn abuse trial is severely questioned
Abuse trial in Paderborn: Expert doubts credibility of alleged victim. Witness hearing on July 9, 2025.

The credibility of the victims in the Paderborn abuse trial is severely questioned
In Paderborn, the sexual abuse trial takes an exciting turn. The main witness, a 16-year-old, was deemed untrustworthy by a psychologist. According to the expert's statements, the alleged victim showed theatrical behavior, which makes the "reliability of her testimony very limited," reports Radio Hochstift.
At the center of the allegations is a 22-year-old defendant who is accused of sleeping with two 12-year-old girls three years ago. In Germany, the protection of minors is a serious matter that can be punished with high penalties. However, the defendant claims in a letter from custody that he did not know the girls' ages. During the hearing, the 16-year-old, whose credibility is now in question, remains silent and misses the start of the trial despite being summoned by the court. This raises questions about the reliability of the statements and could affect the overall evidence. The second alleged victim is scheduled to testify on July 9, making the next steps in the disturbing story highly anticipated.
Expert assessments
The role of reports in criminal law should not be underestimated. So adds The assessors add that incapacity is only defined by specific characteristics, such as pathological mental disorders or profound disorders of consciousness. Simple proof is not enough; rather, an individualized assessment is necessary. The psychologist in the current case takes important factors into account in order to evaluate the statements of the people concerned.
The idea of guilt and mental illness is complex. How Law Firm.law As explained, criminal liability for crimes caused by mental illness depends on numerous aspects. Accordingly, the defendant could possibly be classified as having reduced criminal responsibility, which could lead to a lenient sentence. The legal framework such as Section 20 of the Criminal Code shows that the perpetrator's ability to understand and control are crucial in determining guilt.
Future negotiations in view
The court expects the second alleged victim to testify on July 9th. This could stir up the waves in the Paderborn abuse trial again. In particular, the prospective psychological reports will be crucial in order to reach a verdict based on well-founded evidence. The case impressively shows how important it is to carefully and differentiatedly consider such sensitive matters in the justice system. Public attention remains high, and questions about credibility and the perception of minors have once again come into focus.