Serial Stalker Sentenced in Perth
Dariusz Baranowski, 42, has been sentenced to eight months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple stalking offenses targeting women in Perth city centre during 2024. His actions left several victims feeling "extremely distressed and absolutely terrified."
At Perth Sheriff Court, Baranowski admitted to three charges of stalking, one charge of communicating indecently, and one charge of assault. Additionally, he has been placed on the sex offenders register for five years.
The court also imposed restrictions on Baranowski, ordering him to maintain distance from five named women for three years and to avoid a specified pub for two years.
Details of the Incidents
Prosecutor Elizabeth Hodgson detailed the pattern of Baranowski's behavior, which included targeting a city centre worker and intimidating a pub employee by loitering near her workplace. He also approached her four-year-old granddaughter in the street, causing further concern.
Ms. Hodgson explained one incident where Baranowski approached a woman and asked her out on a date, which she dismissed with laughter.
"This did not disturb her, but it did bring the accused to her attention."
Baranowski appeared intoxicated when he approached the same woman again a few days later. He removed his headphones and placed them on her head, attempting to dance with her. The woman felt embarrassed and nervous due to his behavior.
He subsequently approached her once more and made a sexual remark, leaving her "extremely distressed, embarrassed and humiliated." She reported the incident immediately to her supervisor.
Baranowski also approached a female council worker in Perth on three separate occasions within the same month. The repeated encounters left her feeling "extremely scared" and "intimidated by the repetitive nature of his actions," particularly due to the apparent sexual interest he showed.
Another victim, a staff member at a local homeless hostel, reported feeling "extremely distressed and felt threatened" while Baranowski was reviewing paperwork with her.
Baranowski also targeted a staff member at a Perth city centre pub from which he had previously been barred. She observed him standing outside the pub on multiple occasions, including early in the morning.
Assault Incident
In addition to stalking offenses, Baranowski assaulted a man outside a Turkish barbershop. He approached the individual and attempted to strike him with a bottle, prompting intervention from shop staff.
