Warsaw. He explained his behavior with deep feelings. Stalking charges against a 40-year-old man

A man harassed a woman who did not want to continue her relationship with him. He sent persistent messages, left flowers, and finally started appearing in the same places as her. He has already heard the charges.

It started innocently – with a chance meeting, a short conversation, and then likes on social media. After a few months, the first casual meeting took place over a glass of wine, which over time turned into longer conversations.

– However, after getting to know the man better, the woman decided that she did not want to continue this relationship. It was this moment that became the turning point that started a spiral of unhealthy behavior on his part, said Commissioner Ewa Kołdys, spokeswoman for the Mokotów police.

Unable to come to terms with the woman's decision, the man began taking actions aimed at violating her privacy and comfort.

– He sent messages through all available channels, alternating declarations of love with offensive statements. There were bouquets of roses left outside her house, along with disturbing, desperate messages. Moreover, the man began to appear in places visited by the woman, which only intensified her fear – said Commissioner Ewa Kołdys.

SEE: He broke the ban and harassed his ex-partner. The stalker was arrested.

He translated it as “deep feeling”

The woman notified the police, who began to determine the course of events and secure as much evidence as possible. – These activities are crucial because in the case of stalking there is often no clear evidence and the perpetrator is able to manipulate the situation, which complicates the proceedings. In this case, a 40-year-old man, after being charged, pleaded guilty, explaining his behavior with the “deep affection” he had for his victim, said Commissioner Ewa Kołdys. As she noted, such arguments are common in stalking cases, but they cannot be an excuse for actions that are not only unhealthy, but also dangerous.

According to the police, this case shows how easy it is to cross the boundaries that are necessary in interpersonal relationships.

Stalking may escalate

The policewoman emphasized that stalking takes many forms and its effects can be dramatic. Victims experience chronic stress, anxiety, depression and sleep problems. The mental and emotional effects of stalking can lead to social isolation and problems in interpersonal relationships. From a legal perspective in Poland, stalking is a crime defined in Art. 190a of the Penal Code, and perpetrators may be punished with imprisonment of up to three years, and in extreme cases even up to 10 years.

SEE: Night calls, tracking, transfers for one penny. 26-year-old man accused of harassing his ex-partner.

– It is worth emphasizing here that such situations cannot be underestimated. Stalking is a crime that can escalate and lead to significant emotional and even physical harm to the victim. It is extremely important to respond to such behavior and report it to the appropriate services. In response to the above incidents, the Warsaw Mokotów District Prosecutor's Office issued a decision on police supervision and a ban on approaching the victim – concluded the policewoman.