Court sentences several minors for street robberies in Kuopio

The North Savo District Court has issued sentences related to a series of street robberies that occurred in Kuopio. A 17-year-old boy, initially facing a demand for a prison sentence, received a conditional sentence instead. He was sentenced to one year and five months of conditional imprisonment for robberies committed as a minor, as well as for assault and making illegal threats.

A 19-year-old man, who took a jacket from another young person, was sentenced to one year and five months of conditional imprisonment for robbery and attempted robbery. He is ordered to pay €1,900 in damages to the victim. Another 19-year-old received a sentence of one year and four months for attempted robbery, while a third 19-year-old was sentenced to one year for the same offense. Additionally, a 17-year-old boy received a conditional sentence of 10 months for attempted robbery, and the lightest sentence was given to a 17-year-old who was convicted as an accomplice in an attempted robbery, receiving six months of conditional imprisonment.

The court’s decisions stemmed from an incident in January on Snellmaninkatu in Kuopio, where the young individuals assaulted a 23-year-old drug dealer who had come to sell them pre-arranged cannabis. During the assault, a gas pistol resembling a firearm was used, and the victim was punched and kicked before being pushed down stairs. The dealer attempted to defend himself using a stun gun in the shape of a flashlight.

The assault ended when police conducting drug surveillance arrived on the scene, preventing the robbery from being completed. Further investigations revealed evidence on the youths’ phones related to other crimes in Kuopio and Eastern Finland. The court also addressed another robbery where a Trapstar jacket was stolen from a 15-year-old boy, as well as other violent robberies committed by minors. The sentences are not yet final and can be appealed.