Berlin man 'inspired by cannibal'

Meiwes' story fascinated Germany

A Berlin man has gone on trial for murder in an attack which his lawyer says was inspired by the high-profile case of a cannibal killing in Germany.

Ralf M admitted stabbing a music teacher with a screwdriver. He said he was motivated by cannibal fantasies which he thought he had under control.

The prosecution said he stored body parts in a fridge, but did not eat any. Armin Meiwes was found guilty last year of killing and eating another man in a case which shocked and gripped Germany.

Meiwes was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years for manslaughter.

But his conviction was overturned last month by a federal court, who ordered a retrial.

The prosecution argues that Meiwes should have been given a life sentence for murder. His lawyers however want his original sentence reduced on the grounds that his victim had volunteered to be eaten.

Ralf M's defence lawyer, Detlev Binder, told the Berlin court that the Meiwes case was a "catalyst" for his client.

He added that his client required psychiatric treatment.