Lower Austrian Man Sentenced for Stalking Ex-Employee with GPS, AI Images, and Arson

St. Pölten Regional Court Delivers Verdict

A 43-year-old man from Lower Austria has been sentenced to two years in prison, with 16 months suspended, for a severe case of stalking involving a former employee. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the St. Pölten Regional Court. The man was found guilty of persistent stalking, dangerous threats, and arson, though the verdict is not yet legally binding.

Elaborate Stalking Campaign Unveiled

The court heard details of an extensive stalking campaign initiated by the defendant after his former employee, a manager at an educational institution, rejected his advances and began a new relationship. The perpetrator confessed that he felt his 'fuses blew' and subsequently searched the internet for instructions on how to stalk someone. His actions, which began in February, were described as an attempt to 'make life hell' for the woman and her male acquaintances.

The methods employed by the stalker included:

• GPS Tracking: In February, he attached GPS trackers to his own vehicle, the victim's car, and her partner's car.
• AI-Generated Communications: From mid-April, he sent AI-generated messages via email and SMS. He also created fake profiles to send threats.
• Dissemination of Explicit AI Images: Using artificial intelligence, he created sexually explicit images of the victim and publicly posted them in her residential community, specifically along her child's school route, and at his own workplace.
• Arson: To portray himself as a victim, the defendant set fire to his own residence in the St. Pölten district. This act of arson ultimately led to his identification as a suspect and his arrest on July 4, followed by pre-trial detention.

Legal Proceedings and Compensation

During the trial, the defendant, defended by Rudolf Mayer, expressed remorse, stating, 'I am infinitely sorry and it is certainly the biggest mistake of my life so far.' He claimed his intention was to 'stay in contact by portraying myself as a victim.' An expert report presented during the proceedings indicated that the 43-year-old had a personality accentuation that developed into a personality disorder at the time of the crime.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered significant compensation for the victims. The female victim received 13,000 euros for pain and suffering, her male partner received 2,000 euros, and an additional 11,000 euros was handed over for other individuals. The defendant must also pay 580 euros to the male victim. Further claims were referred to civil court.