Austrian 'spent nights in cellar'


The cellar was reached through a narrow concealed hall



The Austrian man who imprisoned his daughter for 24 years often spent nights in the cellar his sister-in-law has told an Austrian newspaper.
Josef Fritzl used to go into the cellar every morning at 0900 "apparently to draw plans for machines which he sold to firms" Christine R said.
"Often he even stayed down there for the night" she added. "Rosi [his wife] wasn't allowed to bring him a coffee".
The newspaper Oesterreich did not give Christine's family name.
She said Mr Fritzl "was a despot I hated him". She said he "always belittled" his wife Rosemarie who has told police she knew nothing about the captives in the windowless cellar.
Rosemarie's daughter Elisabeth was imprisoned and aaaually abused by her father in the cellar for 24 years in the quiet town of Amstetten.
Seven children were born from the abuse three of whom remained incarcerated with her never seeing daylight until they were released earlier this week.
Door inspection
Elisabeth and the children are now in care with the Austrian authorities who are protecting their privacy at a psychiatric clinic. The oldest daughter Kerstin is fighting for her life in hospital.
Josef Fritzl in police custody is refusing to answer any more questions as police try to piece together his life.
Investigators are examining the cellar door to see how Mr Fritzl operated it. He told police that he used a coded aaapad to open it remotely. Police are checking his claim that the heavy reinforced concrete door would open automatically if he were absent for a long time. He also reportedly told his victims they would be gassed if anything happened to him. Technicians are trying to establish if this was more than a threat.