Convicted Latvian coach flees before starting eight-year sentence

A former climbing coach convicted of sexually abusing a minor has left Latvia instead of beginning an eight-year prison sentence and is now wanted internationally, LSM reported.

The man coached at the Daugmale children and youth centre in Riga. A court found him guilty of sexual violence against a minor trainee in a crime committed in Estonia, and also convicted him under the same section of the Criminal Law for an offence in Italy. The ruling found that he had committed sexual acts involving penetration of the girl’s body against her will, using violence, threats or her helpless condition.

Last summer, Riga City Court sentenced him to nine years in prison and five years of probation supervision. It also barred him from leading any activities for children for three years. The coach appealed, and the Riga Regional Court this spring reduced the prison term to eight years and the probation period by one year. The ruling took effect immediately.

The court had imposed security measures that did not involve detention. Police searched for the convicted man but did not find him. Officers had information that he might be in Lithuania, and he was placed on an international wanted list. A European arrest warrant was issued on July 8 to enforce his sentence.

LSM reports that defendants abscond in one in seven cases in Latvia. A justice expert said courts should not be blamed in such cases.