German backpacker granted parole after causing death of Launceston woman by erotic asphyxiation

A German backpacker who caused the death of a Tasmanian woman by strangling her during sex will shortly be released from jail on parole – after serving just two-and-a-half years.

Tasmania Police at the scene of Ms Zhang’s death in Wellington Street, Launceston. Picture: Helen Kempton

A German backpacker who caused the death of a Launceston woman by strangling her during sex will shortly be released from jail on parole – after serving just two-and-a-half years.

Tobias Pick, 30, will soon be deported back to Germany.

Launceston woman Jingai Zhang, 49, died by manslaughter on Boxing Day 2020 after Pick applied pressure to her neck during sex work, with the intention of heightening sexual pleasure through erotic asphyxiation.

But after Ms Zhang stopped breathing, Pick fled the premises without raising the alarm for help. He also stole $2400 from Ms Zhang and one of her mobile phones.

Launceston woman Jingai Zhang, 49, died at the hands of German backpacker Tobias Pick by erotic asphyxiation. Picture: Facebook

Pick has been in custody since he was arrested two days later after he was identified from a message found on a different phone.

He was jailed for five years, with a non-parole period of half that time – which has now lapsed.

In its newly-published decision, the Parole Board of Tasmania said Pick had tried to use his time behind bars “fruitfully”.

“He undertook maths, computer and sewing classes,” the board said.

“He was employed in the tailor shop.”

The board said Pick had engaged with therapeutic services while incarcerated and that his behaviour was described as good, extremely polite, easy to work with, and deemed to be a low risk for future violent offending.

“(Pick) maintains he did not intend any harm to the victim and has consistently reported feelings of remorse for his actions and a strong desire to alter the course of his actions,” the board said.

The board said Pick showed remorse for his actions, “and stated he did not intend anyone any harm”.

“He stated he wanted to return to his family where he could apologise to them and make up for his actions.”

Pick is expected to return to his career as a boilermaker-welder back in Germany.

His parole period will run from July 26 until December 2025.

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