The trial of three suspects accused of blackmailing the family of seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher has started in Germany - and involved an astonishing confession.
A member of Schumacher's security detail, Markus Fritsche, is one of those on trial in Wuppertal, accused by German prosecutors of stealing 1,500 images and 200 videos and then demanding €15 million to prevent them from being made available on the dark web.
Fritsche is in the dock alongside son Daniel Lins, and a friend, Yilmaz Tozturkan. The prosecution alleges the materials were taken from the Schumacher family home in Switzerland on four USB sticks.
At one stage, in addressing the lawyer for Schumacher's wife, Corinna, Fritsche is reported to have said: "I take responsibility for this mistake. I did this. Please tell the family I'm sorry."
It is alleged that a telephone call from Tozturkan on June 3 alerted the family to the fact the photos and videos had been stolen, with proof provided via email. Eight days later, it is claimed a further email followed, along with the ransom demands.
The three were arrested on June 19 after the Swiss authorities traced the caller's number.
Despite Friitsche's confession, the trial is expected to last five days, with a verdict due in January.
It is not the first time the family of the F1 legend has been the victim of blackmail. In 2017, a then 25-year-old male received a suspended prison sentence for attempted commercial extortion.
Schumacher has not been seen in public since an accident in December 2013 when he fell and hit his head on a rock whilst skiing off-piste.
The 91-time grand prix winner was placed into an induced coma. He awoke in 2014, but his family have since kept his condition private, with few updates since.
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