A man followed a woman in Zielona Góra, Poland, on April 1st and forced her to submit to a sexual act, prompting a swift arrest by local authorities.
Attack in Stairwell
On April 1st, a man followed a woman from Dolina Gęśnika Park in Zielona Góra. He followed her into the stairwell of a residential building and then used force to compel her to submit to a sexual act.
Citizen Intervention Leads to Arrest
The attack was stopped and the assailant apprehended thanks to the reaction of a resident who interrupted the incident and detained the man, according to prosecutor Ewa Antonowicz, spokesperson for the District Prosecutor’s Office in Zielona Góra.
Investigation Underway
Investigators are analyzing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. The 42-year-old suspect has not indicated whether he admits guilt. Prosecutors have requested a temporary arrest warrant to prevent a sense of threat among Zielona Góra residents.
Repeat Offender
The man had previously been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for attempted rape in a supermarket. He completed his sentence in November of last year and had been living in his car since his release.
Potential Sentencing
The man faces between six months and eight years in prison for forcing someone to submit to a sexual act. Due to the repeat offense, the court may increase the sentence by half.
Help for Victims
Those who are victims of sexual violence can seek help by calling the “Niebieska Linia” Telephone Counseling Center at 22 668 70 00 (24-hour hotline) or the 24-hour intervention phone at the Center for Women’s Rights – 600070 717.
