A verdict is expected today in the trial of three men accused of attempting to extort €15 million from the family of former Formula One champion Michael Schumacher.
The case, being heard at Wuppertal district court in western Germany, centres on threats to publish private photographs and videos of the racing legend.
The defendants face charges related to blackmailing the Schumacher family, who have kept the F1 icon away from public view since his skiing accident in 2013.
Two of the defendants - a father and son - have already confessed to their involvement in the extortion attempt during court proceedings.
A verdict is expected today in the trial of three men accused of attempting to extort €15 million from the family of former Formula One champion Michael Schumacher
PA
The third defendant, who previously worked as a security employee for the Schumacher family, has maintained his silence throughout the trial.
Prosecutors allege the former security staff member was responsible for passing the private materials to the father and son.
The scale of private materials involved in the case is substantial, with prosecutors revealing that 900 photographs and nearly 600 videos were seized.
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Michael Schumacher is looked after at home by wife Corinna SchumacherNETFLIXThe materials also included Schumacher's digitised medical records, which were among the items the defendants allegedly threatened to make public.
Schumacher's family has maintained strict privacy around the F1 legend's condition since his serious head injury in 2013.
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Jean Todt, one of Schumacher's closest friends, remains among the few people granted access to the racing legend's inner circle.
In a recent interview with La Repubblica, Todt spoke about his relationship with Schumacher, saying: "The family has decided not to answer the question [about Schumacher's health], a choice that I respect."
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"I see him regularly and with affection, him and his family," Todt added, noting that their bond "goes beyond the past work" and is "part of my life."
In 2023, Todt offered further insights into Schumacher's current situation, stating: "Michael is here, so I don't miss him. He is different and is wonderfully guided by his wife and children who protect him."
Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public since his skiing crash back in 2013
PA"His life is different now and I have the privilege of sharing moments with him. That's all there is to say," Todt explained.
"Unfortunately, fate struck him ten years ago. He is no longer the Michael we knew in Formula 1."
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