According to reports in the Austrian media, the court heard how the mountain rescue team found Kerstin’s body hanging upside down from a rock face.
One of the rescuers told the court she had her rucksack on and her head was tilted back.
Her eyes were wide open, she wasn’t wearing gloves, and her boots were open, he said.
“We were amazed that she remained in that position.” If the wind had been any stronger, “she would have fallen over the south face”.
The prosecution said there were strong winds of up to 74 km/h (45 mph), and was very cold. It was -8C, with a windchill temperature of -20C, they said.
They argued that as the more experienced climber, Thomas P was “the responsible guide for the tour”.
They said he failed to turn back or call for help in time to help his girlfriend.
Thomas P should never have allowed himself to get into this situation, the prosecutor said.
Thomas P pleaded not guilty. He told the court he was deeply sorry. He said he had loved his girlfriend, who was very sporty and that they had planned the trip together.
His lawyer Kurt Jelinek said the couple had found themselves in a really difficult and stressful situation.
He said Kerstin was not inexperienced and knew what she was getting into.