Man Who Attacked Ex-Partner's Door While Dressed as a Clown Avoids Jail

Pawel Rabel, 47, will not serve jail time after being convicted of harassing the mother of his children for nearly two years and smashing her front door with an axe while dressed as a clown. He received an 18-month community order, 90 hours of unpaid work, and 15 hours of rehabilitation activity sessions.

On the evening of October 20, 2025, Rabel approached his ex-partner's house wearing a clown mask and costume, making "growling" noises. As the mother ushered her children inside and closed the door, Rabel struck the door with an axe. He also left a handwritten card and the clown mask in a bag in the garden.

Police located Rabel in the early hours of October 21, finding an axe in his van. Rabel, who has lived in the UK for 20 years, claimed the axe was a plastic toy that came with the costume and that he had only visited to deliver a birthday card. However, the judge noted that scratches on the door were consistent with a metal axe.

The incident was the culmination of a two-year period of harassment. Between December 2023 and October 2025, Rabel was observed near the children's school in his van, attended his son's jujitsu lessons uninvited, and uploaded a video of himself and his ex-partner arguing to YouTube. The mother had obtained a non-molestation order against him.

In a victim statement, the mother stated the incidents had caused her significant fear and distress, leading to a mental breakdown and subsequent depression. Rabel's defense counsel stated that Rabel struggled to accept the end of his family unit and harbored hope for reconciliation. He also expressed shame over his inability to be an active parent.

Rabel was prosecuted for criminal damage to the front door, possessing an offensive weapon, and stalking without causing fear, alarm, and distress. The judge stated that the offenses were serious enough to warrant a community order. Rabel was also ordered to pay £300 in compensation to his victim and received an eight-year restraining order prohibiting contact with his ex-partner and entry into Tunbridge Wells, with certain exceptions.