Holger Rene Winkler, a German politician and political campaigner, has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison after DNA testing established that he fathered a child with his 12-year-old daughter.
Winkler, 38, from Wittenburg near Hamburg, was convicted of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and incestuous intercourse following proceedings at the Dessau-Rosslau Regional Court. The case came to light only after the girl gave birth at a German hospital, where doctors reportedly became concerned about the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy and alerted police and youth welfare authorities.
A subsequent DNA paternity test confirmed that Winkler was the baby’s father. According to reports, he later admitted the conduct when questioned by police.
The case returned to court on September 21, 2026, where Winkler attempted to explain his actions. According to the Sun, he told the court, “I’m not a paedophile.”
He also referred to the family’s living conditions and his personal circumstances at the time of the offence. “It was a difficult time for me when the crime occurred,” he reportedly said, adding that the family of seven lived together in a 64-square-metre home.
Winkler also told the court that he had wanted to train as an IT specialist but had been unable to pursue that plan.
His explanation has drawn particular attention because of the public image he had previously presented during his political activities. His campaign material had emphasised family life and housing, including the slogan, “In my free time, I’m there for my family…” He had also spoken about wanting better housing options, particularly for young and large families.
The conviction has since placed those public statements in stark contrast with the circumstances revealed by the criminal case.
Winkler’s wife has spoken publicly about what the conviction means for the family. In comments reported by Bild, she described the situation as “a terrible situation” but said that Winkler remained the father of her five children and would return to the family after completing his prison sentence.
She also said that she and her daughter had decided to place the baby boy for adoption.
The circumstances surrounding the birth ultimately exposed the abuse and triggered the investigation that led to Winkler’s conviction. He has now been taken into custody to begin his four-year, three-month sentence.
