Man Sentenced to 4.5 Years for Stone-Throwing Incident on Tram

A 28-year-old man was injured after being struck on the head by a stone while riding a tram in Vienna on December 5, 2024. The incident took place as he was en route to a company Christmas party. Instead of celebrating with his coworkers, the IT professional found himself hospitalized for treatment of a bleeding wound and a concussion. Medical personnel indicated that his injury could have been fatal.

The perpetrator, a 31-year-old man, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for throwing the stone and committing three armed robberies. During the trial, he claimed he did not intend to harm anyone and expressed that he was overwhelmed by stress and personal issues at the time of the incident.

Prior to the stone-throwing, the accused had vandalized several windows at a senior citizens' residence in Leopoldstadt, causing damages exceeding EUR20,000. He also damaged the side mirrors of two parked vehicles before targeting the tram. The stone he threw shattered a window and struck the young man, who was wearing headphones at the time.

The assailant later explained that he was under significant pressure due to financial troubles and a gambling addiction, which contributed to his reckless behavior. He was behind on rent payments and felt desperate, leading him to commit acts of vandalism to relieve his mounting stress.

In the following months, the man escalated his criminal activities, committing three armed robberies starting on February 17. During one incident at a drugstore, he demanded cash and made off with EUR4,000. He later attempted to rob a gas station, threatening the staff with what he claimed was a gun, resulting in another EUR350 theft. A third robbery attempt was thwarted when an employee called for help, leading to his arrest.

Given the gravity of his actions, the court deemed the sentence appropriate, taking into account his lack of prior criminal history. Both the defendant and the prosecution accepted the ruling. When asked about his future, the man expressed a desire to seek help and rebuild his life post-incarceration.