Man threatens police with motorcycle gang and bolt cutters in North Savo

A district court in North Savo has sentenced a 45-year-old man to three months’ suspended imprisonment for stalking and illegal threats against a police officer.

The incidents occurred in autumn 2023 in a municipality in North Savo, which Yle is not naming to protect the victim’s privacy.

The man repeatedly contacted the officer over a short period, sending text and voice messages. He had previously been the subject of a police investigation. In his messages, he called himself “a damn dangerous guy,” threatened the officer with a motorcycle gang, and in one call pretended to be another police officer, threatening to strike the victim in the face with bolt cutters.

The court ruled that the officer had reasonable cause to fear for his safety and that of his family, as the threats referenced the officer’s official duties. The defendant had denied the charges, and his defence cited his health condition. However, the court found him criminally responsible, stating that while his health may have influenced his actions, it did not absolve him of liability.

The verdict is not yet final and can be appealed to the court of appeals.