Is the number of plea deals currently finite?
The court decided on four agreements this week, approved all of them, and has no more on the table yet. The conclusion of an agreement is not excluded at any stage of the court proceedings, but of course the later the individual expresses an interest, the less benefit he must expect.
What advantages did Grímm get?
He was granted the status of a cooperating accused from the beginning of the investigation, which he obtained on the basis that he confessed immediately, cooperated with the law enforcement authorities and at the same time helped to uncover other crimes. Originally, he faced a prison sentence of up to 10 years. But due to many mitigating circumstances, it was possible to impose a sentence far below the lower limit of the statutory penalty rate. We got probation, a fine and a ban.
Does this always apply?
It is a general rule that applies. If the accused decides to cooperate at the very beginning or takes courage and confesses to the action, he can expect a lighter sentence.
Photo: Sport.cz
Former referee Tomáš Grímm (right) and his defense attorney Petr Papež at the Pilsen court.
Michal Káník, a former footballer and another key player in the whole case, also wanted to conclude the agreement. Can you at least suggest why this didn’t happen?
I would not like to comment on the other accused, in any case, as in any other matter, whoever shows interest, we are negotiating to conclude an agreement. This did not happen in this case mainly because I did not believe in the eventual guilty pleas of some of the defendants.
Is Tomáš Grímm a key witness for you?
He continues to be charged, not convicted. He may continue to be called as a witness. It is in the main case as one of many sources of evidence, so it will continue to be worked with.
