On 15 January 2015, Janusz H. left prison and returned home. He continued to live with his 82-year-old mother, supporting himself on her pension. H. had been serving a sentence for abusing the woman.
After leaving prison, his behaviour towards the victim did not improve. The defendant’s aggression actually increased. When intoxicated, Janusz H. would start arguments, during which he verbally abused his mother and threatened to kill her. In various ways, he extorted money from the woman for alcohol and cigarettes and damaged household items.
On 18 March 2015, the violence by Janusz H. escalated. He threatened to kill his mother while holding an axe. He again attempted to force her to hand over money for alcohol. However, the woman had no cash. That day, the defendant was arrested by a police patrol after witnesses to the incident notified the police.
Janusz H. was charged with abusing his mother as a repeat offender and attempting aggravated extortion. The man did not plead guilty to the charges and gave a brief statement in which he said that he had not abused his mother or started arguments because he was a calm person.
Family members and neighbours confirmed in their testimony that Janusz H. abused alcohol and behaved unlawfully towards his mother.
At the prosecutor’s request, H. was placed in pre-trial detention for three months. The detention is ongoing. Janusz H. faces up to 10 years in prison.
The case will be heard by the District Court in Legnica.
Legnica District Prosecutor’s Office/ii