Tampere court orders mental examination for tram push suspect

The Pirkanmaa District Court has ordered a woman in her 40s to undergo a mental examination after she was accused of pushing a man in his 70s in front of a tram in Tampere, Yle reported.

The alleged attempted manslaughter took place in early June at a tram stop on Hämeenkatu in central Tampere. Many people were present at the time.

The trial began on Monday. The court will issue its verdict after the mental examination has been completed.

The prosecutor is seeking at least four years in prison for the woman. Evidence presented in court includes surveillance camera footage.

According to the indictment, the woman told investigators that she pushed the man from behind and understood that he could die as a result of being pushed in front of the tram.

The man told authorities about earlier threats made by the woman. Police have previously said that the two knew each other.

The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and is currently being held in custody. The indictment says the tram did not hit the man because the driver applied the emergency brakes. The man suffered a head wound and a bruise to his leg.