A convicted sex offender found guilty of stalking two Perth women after forming an unwelcome infatuation with them has been detained at Murray Royal Hospital.
Deivydas Metrikis plagued the two strangers for months, leaving them fearful and ensuring even their places of work did not feel safe.
The 26-year-old, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, was convicted following three days of evidence and four hours of deliberation by a jury.
He is now awaiting sentencing in relation to the charges but will first be assessed by doctors at the psychiatric hospital after Sheriff Lindsay Foulis granted an assessment order.
During evidence, Metrikis’ first victim told how he dogged her steps while she worked out on the city’s North Inch, followed her through the streets of Perth and lurked outside her place of work.
Night after night he could be spotted lurking in the street by the woman and her work colleagues, hoping to catch a glimpse of her through her employer’s window.
As matters escalated, friends began to escort her to her car after work and she also took to calling her mother and keeping the line open as she walked so that her mum would know the moment anything happened to her.
Finally, he tracked her down on social media and sent her friendship requests and unwanted messages – accompanied by a picture of his face and, for the first time, his name.
As his stalking played out, Metrikis also fixed his attention on a second woman and began to make regular visits to her place of work.
He hung around for hours, making uncomfortable conversation, forcing her colleagues to intervene as she became increasingly concerned by his actions.
In both cases, the police were eventually called as his victims came to the end of their respective tethers.
Metrikis, described as a prisoner at Perth was found guilty of a charge that on various occasions between July 1 2016 and January 9 2017, at various locations in the city, he engaged in a course of conduct that caused a woman fear and alarm.
He was also convicted of engaging in a course of conduct that caused a second woman fear and alarm, between December 26 and 28 last year, by repeatedly attending at her place of work despite being told he was not welcome, engaging her in conversation and handing her a written communication.
Metrikis is currently subject to the terms of the sex offenders register in relation to two previous convictions for sexual offences.
The Crown has indicated it may seek non-harassment orders to protect the two victims, while the court may also consider the Lithuanian national’s status in the UK.
His case has been continued until July 13.
