Court convicts three attackers and victim over Iisalmi assault

North Savo District Court has sentenced three people over a debt-related assault in Iisalmi, where a 34-year-old man was shot with an air pistol. The victim was also fined for using pepper spray, Yle reports.

The court found that the violence began in spring 2024 after the victim visited a woman’s home. The man said they had recorded a sexual video by mutual agreement; the woman later showed it to another defendant. The woman and that man then lured the victim back to her home, where a third person was also present to ensure the group outnumbered him.

One of the defendants fired twice at the victim with a short-barrelled air pistol. One shot hit his body and the other his head. The victim was also kicked and punched, and threatened with a knife. The group took items from his backpack, including medication, a key code list and a phone charger, and demanded money connected to his previous substance use. They later called his mother, who transferred them 150 euros.

The victim escaped into the yard after using pepper spray, but the violence continued outside. It stopped after a neighbour called the police.

A 35-year-old man was sentenced to three years and six months in prison for aggravated robbery. A 37-year-old woman received two years and six months for the same offence. Both denied aggravated robbery. A third defendant was sentenced to two months in prison for assault and denied taking part in the attack.

The victim was fined after being found guilty of assault, possession of a dangerous object and a minor firearms offence. He denied assault and said he had acted in self-defence. The court’s decision is not final and can be appealed.