The Katowice Court of Appeal has upheld a life sentence for 19-year-old Mateusz H., who was convicted of the brutal rape and murder of 18-year-old Wiktoria in Radzionków in August 2023.
Final Sentencing and Psychiatric Commitment
On Wednesday, May 27, the Katowice Court of Appeal upheld the 2025 Gliwice Regional Court verdict, confirming a life sentence for Mateusz H. with eligibility for parole only after 40 years. The court also granted the request of the Tarnowskie Góry District Prosecutor’s Office, ruling that the offender must be placed in a secure psychiatric facility upon any eventual release.
The appellate court rejected the defense’s appeal, which had requested a reduced sentence based on the defendant’s young age and lack of prior criminal record. Court-appointed experts diagnosed Mateusz H. with deep dissocial personality disorders and sexual sadism, concluding there is a high probability he will commit similar crimes in the future.
Details of the Radzionków Crime
The crime occurred in August 2023 after the victim met Mateusz H. at a bus stop while returning from a disco in Katowice. Wiktoria agreed to stay the night at an apartment he was renting.
According to investigative findings, the perpetrator immobilized the victim while she slept, struck her repeatedly in the head, and strangled her before committing rape. The prosecutor’s office characterized the murder as exceptionally cruel, noting that the perpetrator followed a pre-planned scheme to kill a randomly selected victim.
Support Services
Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual contact. Victims can seek assistance by calling the “Blue Line” helpline at 22 668 70 00 or the Women’s Rights Center emergency line at 600 070 717.