Kidnapper Removed Woman's Lips and Teeth in Sick Experiment, Court Hears
A young woman who met a man on a dating app endured a four-year nightmare of captivity and torture, during which her kidnapper removed her lips and teeth in what he described as a sick experiment. The perpetrator, Mateusz J, dubbed 'Poland's Josef Fritzl', has now been sentenced to life imprisonment in a therapeutic setting.
Horrific Captivity in a Makeshift Cell
Małgorzata, known only by her first name, was lured to a farm in the village of Gaiki, near Glogow, Poland, where she was locked in a disused animal barn used as an outdoor utility room. The cell had no electricity, running water, heating, or toilet, and the window was blocked with a false window and curtain, depriving her of sunlight.
During her imprisonment from 2019 to 2024, she was subjected to repeated rape, beatings, and extreme mutilation. Doctors later observed extensive facial damage, with her lips and teeth removed, leaving a gaping hole where her mouth once was. Her body was covered in abrasions and scars from the sustained abuse.
Ordeal Comes to Light After Hospital Visit
The case emerged in September 2024 when Małgorzata was hospitalised with a dislocated shoulder. She confided in other patients that she had been tortured and raped while locked in an outbuilding, and had even given birth to her abductor's baby. Despite previous hospital visits, she was too afraid to reveal the truth due to threats from her captor.
"I couldn't tell the doctors the truth, I was afraid, he threatened me that if I complained, it would get even worse," Małgorzata told Polish media. During trips to the hospital, J forced her to wear a balaclava to disorient her and prevent her from identifying her location.
Court Sentences Perpetrator to Life Imprisonment
Earlier this month, Judge Michał Misiak found Mateusz J guilty of abuse and deprivation of liberty, sentencing him to life imprisonment. He must also pay PLN 500,000 (approximately £100,000) in compensation and is banned from contacting Małgorzata or coming within 100 meters of her for 15 years.
The prosecutor's office detailed the torment: "He kicked her, choked her, pushed her, pulled her, twisted her arms, pulled her hair, and isolated her from other people, humiliated her, called her vulgar names... and repeatedly, by violence and unlawful threats, led her to sexual intercourse."
Shock and Denial from Neighbours and Family
Neighbours were horrified to learn of the torture occurring so close by, while J's parents denied any knowledge of the situation. His father wept, insisting, "This is a shock for us. It's impossible. My wife and I really didn't see any girl here."
Throughout the trial, which began in June 2025, J maintained the relationship was consensual and showed no remorse. Psychiatric experts concluded he was fully sane at the time of his crimes. Judge Misiak stated, "I have never met a man who committed so much evil," and noted the case "exceeded the professional experience" of officers and experts.
If you have been affected by issues in this article, support is available through organisations such as Rape Crisis.
