Kuopio man jailed for five years after robberies and attempted killing

North Savo District Court sentenced 18-year-old Otto Ilmari Kantelinen to five years in prison for two aggravated robberies and knife attacks on two people in Kuopio, Yle reported.

The crimes took place in February and July. In the first incident, Kantelinen and a 15-year-old accomplice arranged a drug deal in Petonen, a Kuopio neighbourhood, but robbed and stabbed the buyer. They took 250 euros from him.

The 15-year-old told police during the pre-trial investigation that they had planned to trick the buyer by giving him other medication instead of OxyContin. The buyer decided to leave after an argument, and Kantelinen stabbed him. The victim was also kicked and stabbed in the back as he fled to a nearby kiosk to call for help.

The court convicted Kantelinen of aggravated robbery and aggravated assault in that case. Prosecutors had also charged him with attempted manslaughter, but a medical report found that the victim had not been in life-threatening danger. Kantelinen denied all charges and said he was not at the scene. The 15-year-old denied the aggravated robbery charge and was given a suspended sentence of one year and 10 months.

In July, Kantelinen committed a second aggravated robbery and stabbed the victim in the abdomen, taking 50 euros. The victim needed surgery. Kantelinen admitted using a knife and causing the injuries but said he had acted in self-defence after the man attacked him. The court convicted him of attempted manslaughter and aggravated robbery.

Kantelinen received a five-year prison sentence for four offences. Both defendants’ verdicts are not final. Kantelinen has said he is dissatisfied with the decision.