A Liverpool student was left feeling “violated and unsafe” after a man broke into her flat and stole personal items, including underwear and adult toys. Pavel Kotlar smashed the front window of the woman’s Wavertree apartment and entered on January 1, 2024, while she was away visiting her family. The victim, 23, discovered the break-in the next day when a letting agent noticed the damage. CCTV footage captured Kotlar entering her living room as an alarm sounded.
Items stolen included the woman’s underwear, high heeled shoes, passport, and a friendship necklace that held sentimental value, once belonging to her deceased sister. Kotlar, of Whitman Street, Wavertree, pleaded guilty to burglary at Liverpool Crown Court on August 19 and was sentenced to 30 months in prison. The victim expressed feeling violated and unsafe, particularly mourning the loss of the stolen necklace that connected her to her sister. She described the burglary’s impact on her sense of safety and trust.
In an interview, the student shared her emotional turmoil and the profound loss caused by the burglary. She highlighted the significance of the stolen friendship necklace, symbolising her connection to her late sister. The incident not only resulted in material loss but also left her emotionally distressed, affecting her university life and overall well-being. Despite Kotlar’s sentencing, the victim expressed mixed feelings about the outcome, acknowledging the impact of the incident on her daily life.
The victim emphasised the psychological distress caused by the burglary, detailing how the violation impacted her overall sense of security and trust. She expressed a desire to regain confidence and security, hoping to overcome the emotional turmoil and restore a sense of normalcy to her life. The stolen items, particularly the sentimental necklace, represented a significant loss, deepening her grief over her sister’s passing in 2021. The student’s resilience was challenged by the burglary, underscoring the lasting effects of the traumatic incident.