The Bonn Regional Court in Germany has sentenced two teenagers who left a paramedic in a coma during an assault at a school graduation ceremony in Troisdorf. While prosecution originally sought convictions for attempted manslaughter, the court determined the defendants did not intend to kill, stating in the sentencing that “they didn’t really want him to die.”
The 18-year-old and 19-year-old defendants were sentenced to youth terms of three and two years, respectively, for dangerous bodily harm. While the older defendant received a suspended sentence due to a clean criminal record, the younger man was ordered to serve his time in prison.
The incident occurred on the evening of July 4, 2025, when the two friends entered a town hall through a back door following a graduation event. When a doorman blocked their entry, the younger defendant reportedly insulted him and threatened him by saying, “I’ll kill you,” before attacking him.
The paramedic, a father of two and volunteer firefighter, intervened by bringing the younger attacker to the ground. In response, the elder defendant took a running start and kicked the paramedic in the face with full force, leaving him motionless. The younger defendant then allegedly continued to assault the unconscious man with further kicks. A witness stated that the teens were kicking the victim in the head with “full force.”
The victim required intensive care for life-threatening injuries, including brain damage and massive memory loss. He also spent several days in the ICU. It also remains unclear whether he can resume his work as a paramedic.
During the trial, the defendants apologized and claimed that their memory of the event was obscured by alcohol consumption.
As part of the proceedings, both men agreed to pay €8,000 each to the victim.
