A recent court case at Perth Sheriff Court has brought to light a series of disturbing incidents involving a man who admitted to stalking and harassing three women working in Perth city centre. Dariusz Baranowski, 42, caused significant distress to his victims through a pattern of unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, and unsettling behaviour that left them feeling threatened and fearful in their workplaces and public spaces.
The incidents, which occurred between July 1 and July 29 last year, involved community wardens and a local pub employee, highlighting the vulnerability faced by those serving the public in prominent local areas. Baranowski has been placed on the sex offenders register, with his sentencing scheduled for a later date, where non-harassment orders are also being considered to protect his victims. Community Wardens Targeted in City Streets
One of Baranowski’s first victims was a 30-year-old community warden, whose role involves liaising between the public, police, and local authorities within Perth city centre. The court heard that on July 1, Baranowski approached her, asking for a date. Initially, the warden dismissed the encounter, but his subsequent actions quickly escalated her concern.
A few days later, while reportedly intoxicated, Baranowski again approached the same warden. He removed his headphones and placed them on her head, then attempted to dance with her. This unsettling display left the woman embarrassed and nervous, prompting her to distance herself from him. Despite being told to leave her alone, Baranowski confronted her again on July 22 in South Street, making a vulgar sexual remark, stating, “I’ve not had a sh*g in five or six weeks.” This brazen comment left the warden profoundly distressed, embarrassed, and humiliated, leading her to immediately report the incident to her supervisor. The repeated nature of the advances in public view undermined her sense of safety and ability to perform her duties. Intimidation in St John’s Shopping Centre
A second community warden also became a target of Baranowski’s disturbing behaviour between July 22 and July 29. Her encounters with him began while she was performing her duties in the city centre. On one occasion, he approached her, complimenting her attractiveness and questioning if her male colleague was her husband. This interaction left her feeling extremely uncomfortable and uneasy.
Days later, while she was off-duty and with her sister, Baranowski singled her out, asking if she remembered him. His persistence continued even as she attempted to disengage, only ceasing when threatened with police involvement. The intimidation culminated later that month when he encountered her in St John’s Shopping Centre. He called out “Oh sexy,” before cornering her with the disturbing remark, “I don’t want to sleep with you, I don’t want to take drugs with you, you’re not as clever as you think.” His retreat upon seeing she was not alone underscored his awareness of his inappropriate conduct. The cumulative effect of these repeated, sexually charged approaches left this victim feeling deeply scared and intimidated, particularly troubled by the overtly sexual nature of his interest. Pub Worker and Child Left Terrified
Baranowski’s predatory behaviour extended to a staff member at a Perth city centre pub, from which he had previously been barred. The woman frequently observed him loitering outside the establishment at unusual hours, including early mornings, creating an atmosphere of constant unease. Her distress intensified as he continued to return despite being explicitly told he was unwelcome. The court heard how these sustained appearances made her feel profoundly threatened in her workplace.
The most alarming incident involving this victim occurred when she was out in Perth with her daughter and four-year-old granddaughter. Baranowski directly approached the young child, bent down, and ominously stated, “I have got something for you.” This chilling comment left the woman “absolutely terrified.” When confronted and told to stop speaking to the child, Baranowski responded with a loud tutting noise before walking away up High Street. The profound fear experienced by the grandmother highlights the escalating nature of his harassment and the severe emotional impact on those he targeted.
In addition to the stalking charges, Baranowski also pled guilty to communicating indecently and assault. The assault charge related to an incident on July 26, where he attempted to strike a man with a bottle outside a Turkish barbershop, necessitating intervention from others. Sheriff William Wood has deferred sentencing for background reports and placed Baranowski on the sex offenders register, signaling the severe nature of his offenses and the need for protective measures for the community. ” , “positive_prompt”: “A modern, bustling Perth city centre street during the day, with diverse individuals going about their daily lives, street performers in the background, and vibrant market stalls. Focus on a sense of community, safety, and vigilance. The mood is calm and observant, not threatening. Photo-realistic style.
The incidents, which occurred between July 1 and July 29 last year, involved community wardens and a local pub employee, highlighting the vulnerability faced by those serving the public in prominent local areas. Baranowski has been placed on the sex offenders register, with his sentencing scheduled for a later date, where non-harassment orders are also being considered to protect his victims. Community Wardens Targeted in City Streets
One of Baranowski’s first victims was a 30-year-old community warden, whose role involves liaising between the public, police, and local authorities within Perth city centre. The court heard that on July 1, Baranowski approached her, asking for a date. Initially, the warden dismissed the encounter, but his subsequent actions quickly escalated her concern.
A few days later, while reportedly intoxicated, Baranowski again approached the same warden. He removed his headphones and placed them on her head, then attempted to dance with her. This unsettling display left the woman embarrassed and nervous, prompting her to distance herself from him. Despite being told to leave her alone, Baranowski confronted her again on July 22 in South Street, making a vulgar sexual remark, stating, “I’ve not had a sh*g in five or six weeks.” This brazen comment left the warden profoundly distressed, embarrassed, and humiliated, leading her to immediately report the incident to her supervisor. The repeated nature of the advances in public view undermined her sense of safety and ability to perform her duties. Intimidation in St John’s Shopping Centre
A second community warden also became a target of Baranowski’s disturbing behaviour between July 22 and July 29. Her encounters with him began while she was performing her duties in the city centre. On one occasion, he approached her, complimenting her attractiveness and questioning if her male colleague was her husband. This interaction left her feeling extremely uncomfortable and uneasy.
Days later, while she was off-duty and with her sister, Baranowski singled her out, asking if she remembered him. His persistence continued even as she attempted to disengage, only ceasing when threatened with police involvement. The intimidation culminated later that month when he encountered her in St John’s Shopping Centre. He called out “Oh sexy,” before cornering her with the disturbing remark, “I don’t want to sleep with you, I don’t want to take drugs with you, you’re not as clever as you think.” His retreat upon seeing she was not alone underscored his awareness of his inappropriate conduct. The cumulative effect of these repeated, sexually charged approaches left this victim feeling deeply scared and intimidated, particularly troubled by the overtly sexual nature of his interest. Pub Worker and Child Left Terrified
Baranowski’s predatory behaviour extended to a staff member at a Perth city centre pub, from which he had previously been barred. The woman frequently observed him loitering outside the establishment at unusual hours, including early mornings, creating an atmosphere of constant unease. Her distress intensified as he continued to return despite being explicitly told he was unwelcome. The court heard how these sustained appearances made her feel profoundly threatened in her workplace.
The most alarming incident involving this victim occurred when she was out in Perth with her daughter and four-year-old granddaughter. Baranowski directly approached the young child, bent down, and ominously stated, “I have got something for you.” This chilling comment left the woman “absolutely terrified.” When confronted and told to stop speaking to the child, Baranowski responded with a loud tutting noise before walking away up High Street. The profound fear experienced by the grandmother highlights the escalating nature of his harassment and the severe emotional impact on those he targeted.
In addition to the stalking charges, Baranowski also pled guilty to communicating indecently and assault. The assault charge related to an incident on July 26, where he attempted to strike a man with a bottle outside a Turkish barbershop, necessitating intervention from others. Sheriff William Wood has deferred sentencing for background reports and placed Baranowski on the sex offenders register, signaling the severe nature of his offenses and the need for protective measures for the community. ” , “positive_prompt”: “A modern, bustling Perth city centre street during the day, with diverse individuals going about their daily lives, street performers in the background, and vibrant market stalls. Focus on a sense of community, safety, and vigilance. The mood is calm and observant, not threatening. Photo-realistic style.