Austrian court to hear Baumgartner punch case
VIENNA (AP) — An Austrian court is to consider next week an appeal by supersonic skydiver Felix Baumgartner against a conviction and fine for allegedly punching a truck driver.
The Austria Press Agency reported that the case stems from a 2010 incident in Baumgartner's home city of Salzburg in which a motorist and a Greek truck driver got into an argument. A lower court in April found that Baumgartner took the motorist's side, was pushed away by the truck driver and then hit him in the face.
Barbara Feichtinger, a spokeswoman for Salzburg prosecutors, said Wednesday that Baumgartner denied having hit the truck driver but was given a €1,500 ($1,940) fine for bodily harm.
A three-judge appeals panel will consider his appeal next Tuesday. Baumgartner isn't obliged to attend.
