Cannibal lover 'never noticed'

2003-12-22 19:22

Germany - A man who had an 18-month homosexual relationship with self-confessed German cannibal Armin Meiwes told a court on Monday he had never noticed the defendant's flesh-eating urges.

The 25-year-old witness at the trial in Kassel, northern Germany described Meiwes as "very nice" as well as "helpful and cheerful".

Meiwes, 42, is accused of murder after killing an engineer he met through an Internet chatroom, butchering him and gradually eating the body parts over several weeks. Meiwes said the victim volunteered and other candidates competed for the role.

More of those candidates were called to testify on Monday, but the public and media were excluded from the courtroom.

A male telephonist, 28, arrived in court with his head wrapped in a scarf to hide his appearance.

Meiwes earlier testified he had intended to behead this man, but on sight found him unattractive. The candidate had portrayed himself in the Internet as slimmer than he really was. Bystanders described the man's build on Monday as stout.

A 25-year-old student who was said to have been measured up in the Meiwes slaughterhouse in the country town of Rotenburg arrived at court wearing a cap, scarf and dark glasses. - Sapa-DPA

- SAPA