A German court has found three men guilty of attempting to blackmail the family of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher.
Three men have been found guilty in a case of attempted blackmail against Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher's family. The perpetrators demanded 15 million euros ($A25 million) from the family to prevent the release of hundreds of private photos and videos of the family, as well as digitized copies of Schumacher's medical records.
A district court in Wuppertal, western Germany, sentenced the main defendant to three years in prison, while his son received a six-month suspended sentence and a fine of 1200 euros ($A2000). The main defendant had prior convictions. Another defendant, a former security guard for the family, received a two-year suspended sentence and a fine of 2400 euros ($A4000) for aiding and abetting the other two men. Judge Birgit Neubert stated that the former security worker played the most significant role in the crime due to his breach of trust.The Schumacher family was threatened with the release of this private material on the dark net. The public prosecutor's office reported that approximately 900 pictures and nearly 600 videos of the family and Schumacher's digitized medical records were confiscated from the perpetrators. However, a hard drive remained missing. Representing the Schumacher family, lawyer Thilo Damm said they will appeal the case against the former security guard, for whom they sought a four-year prison term. While the other two defendants admitted to the charges, the security guard's lawyer denied all allegations and demanded an acquittal. He claimed his client did not steal the sensitive data.The family has kept Schumacher out of the public eye since his severe skiing accident in December 2013. Schumacher was skiing in the French Alps at Meribel when he fell, causing his head to hit a rock, resulting in a near-fatal brain injury. After being transferred from the hospital in September 2014, the seven-time F1 champion has been receiving private care at a family home in Switzerland. Schumacher retired from F1 in 2012 after winning 91 races and five consecutive titles with Ferrari from 2000-04. The German driver's other two titles were with Benetton in 1994-95
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER BLACKMAIL FAMILY FORMULA 1 GERMAN COURT
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Michael Schumacher’s close friend shares rare updateMichael Schumacher's former boss Jean Todt has opened up on his relationship with the Formula One icon after his horror skiing accident in 2013, describing their bond as one that extends far beyond the sport.
Read more »
Turkish Man Jailed for Extorting Formula One Legend Michael Schumacher's FamilyA Turkish man, Yilmaz Tozturkan, has been sentenced to three years in prison for conspiring with others to extort money from the Schumacher family by threatening to release stolen personal information.
Read more »
Three Men Disguised as Cleaners Rob Queensland Home, Police Seize Drugs and RiflesThree men posing as cleaning service employees broke into a Queensland home, robbed the occupants at gunpoint, and fled with stolen valuables. Police conducted a subsequent search, seizing drugs and firearms, leading to the arrest and charges against three individuals.
Read more »
Hunt for three men after off-duty officer kicked and punched in savage Sydney attackPolice are searching for three men after an off-duty officer was rushed to hospital with serious injuries following a savage late-night attack in Sydney's inner west.
Read more »
Three Men Sought After Antisemitic Egg Attack on Women at Bondi BeachPolice are investigating an antisemitic attack on five women at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Three men threw eggs at the group before fleeing in a silver Mazda, which was later found crashed. Detective Superintendent Darren Newman confirmed the incident is being treated as an antisemitic attack and urged the men involved to come forward. Police are also investigating antisemitic graffiti found in Kingsford and Randwick.
Read more »
Sri Lanka v Australia: second men’s cricket Test, day threeOver-by-over report: Australia find themselves in a dominant position again in Galle. Join our writers for updates
Read more »