Lithuanian court upholds suspended sentence for man in clown harassment case

The Panevėžys Regional Court has upheld a verdict against a man who harassed a minor while dressed as a clown at a horror amusement park in the Anykščiai district. A three-judge panel rejected the defense's appeal, making the original sentence final.

The defendant was sentenced to three years in prison, with the execution of the sentence suspended for two years. As part of his sentence, he must find employment or enroll in studies, participate in a violence prevention program, and adhere to a nighttime curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for six months. He was also found guilty of causing health impairment to the minor and ordered to pay 5,000 euros in damages.

In determining the sentence, the Utena District Court noted the defendant's background as a Lithuanian military volunteer and a member of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union. The court considered his positive character references and lack of prior administrative or psychiatric records when deciding on the suspended sentence.