Security guard narrowly avoids becoming victim of repeat offender in Klaipėda

Vilmantas Plivė, a 63-year-old resident of Klaipėda with a history of nine previous convictions, has been sentenced to 14 years and 3 months in prison for attempted murder driven by hooliganism. The court also ordered him to pay 333.33 euros in procedural costs and 500 euros in non-pecuniary damages to the victim, who narrowly escaped death during the attack.

Plivė, who lacks a permanent residence, was previously convicted 15 years ago for attempting to burn alive two homeless brothers. The prosecution had sought a harsher sentence of 16 years, arguing that as a dangerous recidivist, Plivė should receive a penalty exceeding the average stipulated in the penal code for intentional crimes.

The incident leading to the recent conviction occurred on the evening of April 1st at the "Akropolis" shopping and entertainment center. Security guards detained Plivė, suspecting him of shoplifting. He had paid for mineral water and beer but attempted to steal two bottles of vodka and a knife.

While being escorted to the security office, Plivė became verbally abusive and threatened a security guard. He later asked to use the restroom. Upon returning, he attacked the guard from behind, grabbing him by the neck and drawing a knife from his jacket.