Pre-trial detention for an educator from the youth correctional centre in Jerzmanice for abusing a resident
An educator from the Regional Youth Correctional Centre in Jerzmanice, suspected of abusing a 13-year-old resident of the facility, was remanded in custody for two months on 27 November 2024, at the request of the District Prosecutor’s Office in Złotoryja. The investigation is clarifying the reasons behind the minor’s attempted suicide last Thursday (21 November 2024). During the proceedings, surveillance footage was secured, on the basis of which it was established that the teenager’s decision was caused by the educator abusing him that day. The man was detained.
The above-mentioned individual—60-year-old Jacek T.—was charged with physically and psychologically abusing a 13-year-old resident who was in a permanent relationship of dependence on him and was helpless due to his age and mental state. While performing his duties as an educator, during four separate incidents on 21 November 2024, he struck the boy with an open hand and his fist, kicked him in the head and chest, pulled him by his clothes and dragged him across the floor, and humiliated him by ordering him to sit on the floor of a publicly accessible corridor. As a result, the victim attempted to take his own life by trying to hang himself in a shower room.
An ambulance was called for the 13-year-old, who was found after five minutes. He is currently in hospital in a medically induced coma. As of today, it is still impossible to determine what health impairment the victim suffered as a result of the suicide attempt.
The minor has been a resident of the above-mentioned centre since April 2024. He was placed there by a decision of the Family Court in Świebodzin. The boy’s mother is deceased, and his father is serving a prison sentence.
The educator’s conduct was classified as meeting the elements of offences under Article 207 § 1, Article 207 § 1a and Article 207 § 3 of the Criminal Code (physical or psychological abuse of a person remaining in a permanent or temporary relationship of dependence on the perpetrator, helpless due to their age or mental or physical condition, resulting in the victim attempting to take their own life).
Such an offence is punishable by between 2 and 15 years’ imprisonment.
Jacek T., questioned on 26 November 2024, did not admit to committing the alleged offence and provided extensive explanations. Their content cannot be disclosed in the interests of the proceedings.
The prosecutor assessed that, due to the risk of obstructing the proceedings and the severe sentence facing the suspect, an isolation-based preventive measure was necessary. Therefore, an application was submitted to the District Court in Złotoryja for pre-trial detention.
Today before noon, the District Court in Złotoryja decided to remand the above-mentioned individual in custody for two months.
Liliana Łukasiewicz
press spokesperson
District Prosecutor’s Office in Legnica