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3d ago

Essen Court Rejects €300,000 Abuse Compensation Claim Against Diocese

The court upheld the Diocese of Essen's vicarious liability but deemed the €45,000 already paid as adequate, leaving the decision open to appeal.

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Der Essener Dom
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Overview

  • The Landgericht Essen ruled against Wilfried Fesselmann's demand for €300,000 in damages for abuse by a former Kaplan in 1979.
  • The court confirmed the abuse occurred and held the Diocese of Essen vicariously liable under Amtshaftung for material damages.
  • It found the previously paid €45,000 compensation sufficient, citing the victim's psychological and professional impact as considered in the amount.
  • The former Kaplan, who abused at least 28 minors across two states, was defrocked in 2022 after being removed from clerical duties in 2010.
  • This non-binding ruling may be appealed to the Oberlandesgericht Hamm, continuing the legal process.