The Cologne district court has sentenced a photographer to four years and ten months in prison for the sexual abuse of three child photo models. The court found him guilty on Wednesday of four counts of serious child abuse. In the remaining twelve accused cases at the expense of three other child photo models, acquittals were issued.

According to the verdict, the accused acted "highly manipulative" and deliberately sought contact with prepubescent boys. He went on trips with them in his car, visited leisure pools or played Playstation in his apartment. "All this to physically approach the children," the court noted.

The photographer had remained silent in the process, but had the allegations about his defenders disputed. They had repeatedly spoken of a "conspiracy" against their client. In the verdict, the chamber clearly contradicted: "There was no conspiracy." The defense attorneys announced that they would appeal the verdict.