On 20 October 2025, a Warsaw court sentenced juvenile Bartłomiej B. to seven years’ imprisonment for shooting metal bullets that left a victim permanently blind.
Incident and Injuries
On 7 April 2024, 14‑year‑old Bartłomiej B. fired two 6‑mm metal bullets from a replica pistol at a victim’s head while walking along the Vistula in Warsaw. The shots fractured the right eye, caused a blood‑filled scalp wound on the left posterior area, and permanently blinded the victim.
Investigation and Arrest
At about 1:20 a.m., Bartłomiej approached the victim with another unidentified person, demanded a lighter, and after a quarrel showed the fake firearm. After the victim fled, B. fired twice more; the police were alerted, and the victim was hospitalized. On 6 June 2024, Bartłomiej appeared with his lawyer and mother at the Warsaw Śródmieście‑Północ District Prosecutor’s Office, was detained, and transferred to a juvenile detention centre. A police search uncovered a black pistol with rounds in his room.
Judicial Proceedings
The juvenile court, on 12 July 2024, referred the case to the prosecutor. Bartłomiej admitted the offence but could not recall details. An opinion from the detention centre noted his manipulative behaviour, past conflicts with law, and a prior conviction for assault and fraud.
Sentencing and Compensation
On 20 October 2025, the Warsaw District Court convicted Bartłomiej of the crime under Article 156 § 1(2) of the Penal Code, sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment and ordered a compensatory payment of 700 000 zł. The verdict remains provisional.