Pawel Rabel, 47, will serve an 18-month community order and complete 90 hours of unpaid work after a series of harassing incidents against the mother of his three children. The most alarming event occurred on the evening of October 20, 2025, when Rabel arrived at his ex-partner's home wearing a clown mask and costume.
Rabel, who had no prior convictions, was heard making "growling" noises and spoke briefly in Polish to the mother. As she ushered her children inside and closed the door, Rabel struck the front door with an axe. The victim stated in a victim impact statement that the ordeal caused her fear, harassment, and distress, leading to a mental breakdown and depression. A prosecutor described Rabel's demeanor that night as "menacing."
The axe attack was the most extreme incident in a two-year campaign of harassment that began in December 2023. During this period, Rabel was observed near the children's school in his van, made uninvited appearances at his son's jujitsu lessons, and uploaded a video of an argument with his ex-partner to YouTube. Despite a non-molestation order being in place, his actions were deemed persistent by prosecutors.
Following the clown incident, the mother found a yellow bag in her garden containing a handwritten card and the clown mask. Police located Rabel in the early hours of October 21 and seized an axe from his van. Rabel, who has resided in the UK for 20 years, claimed the axe was a toy meat cleaver that came with the costume and that he had only intended to deliver a birthday card. However, the judge noted scratches on the door consistent with a metal axe.
During the sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court, Rabel's defense attorney stated that Rabel struggled to accept the end of his family relationship and harbored hopes for reconciliation. Rabel expressed remorse for his actions, indicating a desire for time to heal matters.
Rabel was prosecuted for criminal damage to the front door, possessing an offensive weapon, and stalking without causing fear, alarm, or distress. He was spared jail and received the community order, 15 hours of rehabilitation activity, and was ordered to pay £300 in compensation to his victim at a rate of £25 per month. An eight-year restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting contact with his ex-partner and entry into Tunbridge Wells, with exceptions for specific conditions. The judge emphasized that the offenses warranted a community order.