A man in northern Greece has been handed a suspended one-month prison sentence by a judge for repeatedly sneaking into his neighbors' properties to smell their shoes. The 28-year-old Greek man appeared in a Thessaloniki court and expressed his inability to explain his behavior, admitting that it had caused him great embarrassment.
During the court proceedings, the man emphasized that he had no intention of breaking the law or causing harm to anyone. Testimonies from neighbors supported his claim, stating that he never exhibited any signs of aggression during his nighttime visits.
The incident that led to the man's arrest occurred in the town of Sindos, located approximately 15 kilometers west of Thessaloniki. Police responded to a call from a neighbor who discovered the defendant in his front yard sniffing his family's shoes, which had been placed outside to air.
According to court records, there had been at least three similar incidents within the past six months, despite neighbors previously requesting the man's family to intervene and stop his behavior.
As part of the sentencing, the man was mandated to attend therapy sessions to address his actions and underlying motivations. The judge's decision to impose a suspended prison term reflects a balance between accountability for the disturbing behavior and an opportunity for rehabilitation.
