48-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted sexual assault in Kristiine
Police detained a 48-year-old man in Tallinn on Monday on suspicion of attempted sexual assault in the Kristiine district last December.
Suspect remanded in custody for two months
According to Delfi.ee, police officers detained a 48-year-old man in Tallinn on Monday afternoon on suspicion of attempted sexual assault, which took place on the evening of 27 December last year in the Kristiine district. At the request of the Northern Circuit Prosecutor's Office, Harju County Court decided to remand the man in custody for two months.
The incident was first reported in a local residents' social media group: an unknown man attacked the victim from behind, but the woman managed to escape from the assault and notify police.
"Following further conversation with the victim, we opened an investigation to clarify the circumstances. Thanks to the victim, evidence was gathered, as a result of which we were able to identify the probable attacker," said Maiken Kutti, head of the serious crimes unit at the Northern Prefecture. The suspect has previously been of police interest.
Leelet Kivioja, prosecutor at the Northern Circuit Prosecutor's Office handling the case, explained the detention request with a pattern of criminal behaviour. "The information gathered in the investigation so far indicates that the man has a pattern of criminal behaviour and, if released, he may continue to commit crimes," noted Kivioja. "Taking into account the suspect and the circumstances of the act, risks could only be mitigated by remanding the man in custody."
Kutti stressed that sexual assaults should be reported without delay on the number 112, so that police can quickly gather evidence and bring the attacker to justice. He added that community vigilance is important in preventing such incidents: if someone exhibits suspicious behaviour – for example, someone who is watching others or attempting to conceal themselves – they should be reported to police immediately, even if the situation does not seem dangerous at first glance.
Source: Õhtuleht