The former deputy mayor of Gdańsk for education and social services Piotr K. was found guilty of molesting a minor and received a one-year prison sentence, suspended for three years.
Judge Janusz Sternalski, at the Gdańsk-North District Court banned Piotr K. from working with minors for five years and ordered him to pay 5,000 zlotys (€1,158) in compensation to the victim. He is also banned from approaching or contacting him.
The court reported that Piotr K. was accused of leading a minor, through abuse of trust, to submit to another sexual act consisting of ordering the victim to sit on his lap, stroking his thigh, kissing the victim's hand and patting him on the back.
The case has led to a strong online backlash with many voicing concerns that the suspended sentence and punitive measures were too lenient. The court's verdict, however, is not final and Piotr K.'s lawyer announced that they will appeal.
The court reported that Piotr K. was accused of leading a minor, through abuse of trust, to submit to another sexual act consisting of ordering the victim to sit on his lap, stroking his thigh, kissing the victim's hand and patting him on the back.
The case has led to a strong online backlash with many voicing concerns that the suspended sentence and punitive measures were too lenient. The court's verdict, however, is not final and Piotr K.'s lawyer announced that they will appeal.
Proceedings in the case were initiated by a notice from the deputy mayor of Gdańsk. The notice was received by the prosecutor's office on July 19, 2021 and the investigation into the case was initiated on August 2, 2021.
The former local government official disappeared from local politics after resigning from his position as vice mayor for education and social services in November 2020. He announced his decision on Facebook, stating that it was for “personal reasons.”
Piotr K. had held the position of deputy mayor of Gdańsk since 2014.
In late February 2021. Piotr K. announced that he was returning to work in administration at the University of Gdańsk (UG). He was affiliated with UG from March 2021 to January 30, 2023.
Although the verdict was open to the public, the justification for the ruling was read behind closed doors. The court’s verdict is not final.
The former local government official disappeared from local politics after resigning from his position as vice mayor for education and social services in November 2020. He announced his decision on Facebook, stating that it was for “personal reasons.”
Piotr K. had held the position of deputy mayor of Gdańsk since 2014.
In late February 2021. Piotr K. announced that he was returning to work in administration at the University of Gdańsk (UG). He was affiliated with UG from March 2021 to January 30, 2023.
Although the verdict was open to the public, the justification for the ruling was read behind closed doors. The court’s verdict is not final.
Source: Rzeczpospolita, PAP
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