“Manipulative bully” guilty of kicking woman in the stomach

Thursday 10 February 2022

A 37-year-old man has been found guilty of repeatedly kicking a woman in the stomach and later coercing her into retracting her complaint to police after a four-day trial.

Roger Baksa was arrested on suspicion of grave and criminal assault in June 2021 after leaving the victim in need of hospital treatment.

He was later released on bail, but ordered to have no contact with the woman. However, he ignored this and went on to attempt to coerce her into withdrawing a statement made to police. 

In September 2021, he was arrested for breaching bail conditions and charged with perverting the course of justice.

Following a Royal Court trial that started on Monday, he has been found guilty of grave and criminal assault and perverting the course of justice.

Police have since praised the victim, who has received support from specially trained officers, for her “immense courage”. 

Detective Inspector Paul Ryan said: “Baksa has shown himself to be a manipulative bully who behaved despicably towards this woman.

“I hope today’s verdict encourages anyone else who has experienced similar abuse to come forward and speak to officers. 

“SoJP is committed to bringing these offenders to justice.” 

Baksa will be sentenced at a later date.

SUPPORT…

Victims First Jersey is a free independent and confidential service supporting victims and witnesses of crime in Jersey.

They offer help to anyone affected by crime not only those who experienced it directly, but also friends and family.

They can be contacted on 0800 7351612 or via email: victimsfirstjersey@gov.je