A politician who fathered a child with his own 12-year-old daughter tried to explain away his actions in court.
Holger Rene Winkler, 38, was convicted of child s£xual abuse after DNA confirmed he was the father of his underage daughter’s child.
The father-of-five – a politician and political campaigner from Wittenburg, near Hamburg in Germany – was found guilty of aggravated s£xual abuse of a child and inc£stuous int£rcourse, local media reports.
He was sentenced to four years and three months in prison.
The horrific abuse only came to light when the girl, just 12, gave birth in a German hospital. Doctors reportedly became suspicious and immediately alerted police and youth welfare services.
A DNA paternity test was then carried out – and it confirmed Winkler was the newborn’s father.
When confronted by police, Winkler confessed, it was reported.
Appearing in the Dessau-Roßlau Regional Court on Monday, September 21, 2026, the father still tried to defend himself and delivered a chilling line that drew widespread condemnation, the Sun reported.
He told the court: “I’m not a p@edophile.”
He then reportedly attempted to blame his actions on his personal circumstances, saying: “It was a difficult time for me when the crime occurred.
“We’re a family of seven, living together in cramped conditions in 64 square metres.”
Winkler added: “I wanted to train as an IT specialist, but that didn’t work out.”
The case has also thrown a harsh spotlight on the public image Winkler had pushed while campaigning.
He had previously used the slogan: “In my free time, I’m there for my family…
“I want attractive housing options, especially for young and large families.”
In the aftermath of the conviction, Winkler’s wife gave a shocking statement to German media.
Speaking to Bild, she said: “It’s a terrible situation, but he remains the father of my five children and will come back to us after his release from prison.”
She also revealed what will happen to the baby boy.
She said: “My daughter and I have decided that we will put the little boy up for adoption.”
Winkler has now been placed behind bars following the conclusion of the trial.