More than 18 years after the violent death of a woman from Lower Franconia in Australia, the former suspect has been awarded compensation for legal costs. According to Australian media reports citing court sources, the man will receive 190,000 Australian dollars (around 114,000 euros) by the beginning of November. The “Main-Post” reported on the payment on Tuesday.

In June, the new murder charge against the then boyfriend of the tourist Simone Strobel was dropped in Australia. It is therefore still unclear who is responsible for the death of the 25-year-old educator from the Würzburg district. Her former partner had always denied involvement in the crime. He has lived in Australia for years and is married.

In July 2022, the then 42-year-old was unexpectedly arrested and accused of murdering Strobel, with whom he had traveled across the country in 2005. He was also charged with obstruction of justice.

A few days later, the man, who also comes from Lower Franconia, was released on bail because, in the opinion of the responsible judge in Lismore, the prosecution had not presented enough evidence.

Sydney Morning Herald report