State Police arrested a 51-year-old man in Copertino , in the province of Lecce, on serious suspicion of domestic abuse against his wife. The arrest follows an investigation that revealed a pattern of ongoing harassment and violent behavior within the family.
Years of assaults and stalking
According to the investigation, the couple's relationship was characterized for years by episodes of physical and psychological violence , with aggression and bullying by the man. The behavior was often linked to a strong and morbid jealousy and was aggravated, according to investigators, by the use of alcohol and drugs. The incidents also occurred in the presence of the couple's children, creating a climate of fear and tension within the home.
The victim was isolated from her family to avoid further violence.
Over the years, to avoid further escalation, the woman was reportedly forced to sever contact with her parents. This situation also prevented her maternal grandparents from maintaining contact with their three grandchildren. A further episode of violence reportedly occurred when the couple's eldest daughter attempted to reconnect with her grandparents: the man's reaction reportedly led to a violent attack on his son-in-law, culminating in his arrest for attempted murder. After a stint in prison, however, according to the investigation, the man resumed his harassing behavior toward his wife.
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The latest attack during a walk
The incident that prompted the new police intervention dates back to the afternoon of July 27, 2026. During a walk, the man allegedly began verbally abusing his wife. When she threatened to call the police, the 51-year-old attempted to prevent her by attempting to steal her cell phone and restraining her arms. Subsequently, according to the reconstruction, he stole her purse, taking her wallet containing her personal documents and setting it alight in a fireplace along with her shoes.
The police intervention and the transfer to prison
After the incident, the victim managed to call for help, and officers from the Nardò Police Station responded to the scene. When the patrol arrived, the man allegedly continued to hurl insults and offensive comments at his wife, even in the presence of the officers. The woman was subsequently taken to the hospital by ambulance for treatment. Following the investigation, the 51-year-old was arrested and transferred to the Borgo San Nicola prison in Lecce , where he was held by the judicial authorities.
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