Josef Fritzl, the Austrian who raped and incarcerated his daughter in a purpose-built prison beneath his home for 24 years, will be transferred to a regular prison from a prison psychiatric unit, his lawyer has said – paving the way for his release to a nursing home.
Earlier this month his lawyer, Astrid Wagner, announced he was applying for early release from jail on the grounds of old age and dementia.
Fritzl, 88, was reportedly close to tears on hearing the decision by a panel of three female judges at Krems regional court.
However, they said the decision was not yet final and requires a further decision to be made by public prosecutors, although this is now thought to be a formality. If it is confirmed he could be moved to a nursing home.