A Grodno resident attempted to steal a truck but accidentally burned it: the court handed down a verdict.

November 28, Grodno. The Leninsky District Court of Grodno delivered a verdict in a criminal case involving attempted vehicle theft, theft, and repeated robbery, the Grodno Regional Court press service told BelTA. According 

to the court, on the night of July 17, 2025 , while intoxicated near a building located on Brikelya Street in Grodno, with the intent to illegally seize and drive a vehicle, the defendant intentionally smashed the side window of an IVECO truck with a rock, entered the vehicle, and then, while attempting to start the vehicle, damaged the electrical wiring in the steering column area with a knife. He attempted to connect the wires to start the engine, but short-circuited the wiring. The man then stole a case containing AirPods Pro earbuds from a truck, causing property damage totaling Br505 to the vehicle owner.

As a result of the defendant's criminal actions, the truck caught fire, causing damage to the truck and Br90,000 in property damage to the vehicle owner. The truck also destroyed merchandise valued at over Br3,800, which belonged to a closed joint-stock company, located in the truck.

On the evening of July 21, 2025, the same defendant, while aboard route 26 bus near the "Brickel Street" public transport stop in the regional center, snatched a gold chain worth Br1,500 from a woman's neck and stole it.

At the court hearing, the defendant fully admitted his guilt and sincerely repented of his actions.

By the court verdict, the man was found guilty of attempted unlawful seizure of a vehicle and driving it without the intent to steal (hijacking), which negligently resulted in damage on an especially large scale; in secret theft of property (theft); in open theft of property (robbery), combined with violence that does not pose a danger to the life and health of the victim, committed repeatedly. On the basis of Part 1 of Article 14 and Part 2 of Article 214 of the Criminal Code, he was sentenced to restriction of liberty for a term of four years and six months; on the basis of Part 1 of Article 205 of the Criminal Code, he was sentenced to restriction of liberty for a term of one year; on the basis of Part 2 of Article 206 of the Criminal Code, he was sentenced to restriction of liberty for a term of two years. In accordance with Parts 1 and 2 of Article 72 of the Criminal Code, the accused, for a combination of crimes, was finally sentenced to restriction of liberty with referral to an open correctional facility for a term of four years and six months.

It was also ordered that the defendant pay the vehicle owner Br90,000 in compensation for material damages, Br20,000 in compensation for moral damages, and a state fee of over Br4,600. 

The court's verdict has not entered into legal force and may be appealed and contested in accordance with the established procedure.