German cannibal was well liked at work

12 December 2003

KASSEL – A German who has admitted killing and eating his victim in an act of cannibalism was highly regarded among colleagues at work, his trial was told Friday.

Armin Meiwes was liked both as a fellow worker and friend at his job working for a computer firm in Kassel, a police officer said on the third day of the murder trial.

The self-declared cannibal often helped colleagues out in private matters and regularly visited the sauna with one of his workmates, the court in Kassel was told.

The court was set to hear evidence later Friday from a toxicologist of the effects of alcohol and medication on the victim.

The 43-year-old victim had consumed two bottles of a medicine to treat common cold symptoms, 20 sleeping pills and half a bottle of schnaps before he was killed by Meiwes.

Meiwes, 42, has admitted killing and eating his victim but denies murder, saying he was merely carrying out his partner’s wishes.

Police who were involved in the discovery of human remains at Meiwes’s house near Rotenburg south of Kassel were also to take the stand Friday.

Meiwes is charged with murder “for sexual satisfaction” and “disturbing the peace of the dead” for butchering the corpse. He could be jailed for life.

His defence is pressing for a lesser charge of “killing on demand” which carries a maximum five-year jail sentence.