Two defendants have admitted involvement in the alleged months-long abuse of a homeless woman in a townhouse in Soest, Germany. The case is being heard at the Arnsberg Regional Court.
The 29-year-old main defendant acknowledged through his lawyer that he had participated in “a large number of acts.” During further statements, however, he attributed responsibility in several incidents to his former partner, who is being investigated separately. He said she had instructed him to handcuff the victim, who was partially unclothed, to a terrace beam.
The defendant also admitted that incident. According to the indictment, a neighbor saw the woman on the terrace in early November 2025 and alerted police. She was reportedly almost naked and chained to the beam in severe cold, in what prosecutors described as a life-threatening situation.
The 29-year-old is facing charges alongside a 25-year-old man and two juveniles aged 16 and 17. The allegations include assault, rape, coercion and unlawful imprisonment. Prosecutors say the homeless woman was repeatedly lured to the townhouse and subjected to humiliation and abuse with varying degrees of involvement by the defendants.
Prosecutor Imke Reelsen accused the main defendant of giving contradictory accounts and described his statements as lies. She said newly discovered video material documented extensive abuse and argued that he was only admitting acts that could already be proven. The presiding judge, Marc Gährken, also questioned the defendant’s claim that everyone involved had acted out of fear.
The 25-year-old defendant admitted, in principle, to an alleged gang rape in a child’s bedroom in August. His lawyer said the defendant regretted the act and had felt threatened by the 29-year-old. He faces a possible sentence of between three years and four months and three years and eight months.
The two underage defendants were questioned behind closed doors. The 16-year-old’s lawyer said his client was generally willing to help clarify the case. Prosecutors reportedly expressed doubts about his prospects for rehabilitation. The allegations against the 17-year-old were deemed no longer justified, and he is expected to receive only a fine.
The victim is a co-plaintiff in the proceedings. She is expected to participate in the next hearing, scheduled for November 9, by video link in a closed session. According to the indictment, she required intensive medical treatment for an extended period after the alleged abuse.
Sources: Der Spiegel.