A former paramedic in Germany went on trial on Monday over alleged poisoning attacks on several of her colleagues, with prosecutors accusing her of multiple attempted murders.

The 24-year-old defendant, who worked at an ambulance station in the town of Vaihingen an der Enz, poisoned the drinks of her co-workers but denied any intention to kill the men.

She did not make a comment at the start of the trial on Monday at the regional court in Heilbronn, a city near Stuttgart

.

Prosecutors allege that between October 2023 and April 2024, the former trainee repeatedly laced her colleagues’ beverages with stolen prescription medications.

The medications include atropine – a toxic substance derived from plants of the nightshade family that can be fatal in high doses.

Three of her co-workers were seriously harmed by the poisoning.

The motive, according to prosecutors, was a combination of “deep anger and frustration” over harsh criticism of her work, coupled with a disturbing curiosity about how the drugs would affect people.

The court is hearing charges related to five incidents at the small rescue station.

The trial is expected to last until late October, with more than 30 witnesses scheduled to testify over 10 more hearing days.

(dpa/NAN)