Television personality Alessandro Basciano is now subject to house arrest following his failure to report for electronic tagging. Basciano, accused of stalking his ex-partner, model Sophie Codegoni, and already under a restraining order, saw the measure become definitive after Italy’s Supreme Court (Cassazione) upheld it on April 30.
Basciano did not appear at the Milan police station on Wednesday as required for the application of the electronic monitoring bracelet. His lawyer, Leonardo D’Erasmo, informed authorities his client no longer resides in Italy but has moved to the Canary Islands. Consequently, the Review Court’s (Tribunale del Riesame) prior order for house arrest takes effect.
The case stems from Basciano’s arrest last November in an investigation led by prosecutors Letizia Mannella and Antonio Pansa. He was released within 48 hours, but prosecutors appealed. The Review Court subsequently imposed the restraining order against Codegoni, later confirmed by the Supreme Court, which also mandated electronic tagging. Practical issues, namely a shortage of available bracelets and monitoring slots, delayed the tag’s immediate application. Basciano was then summoned for August 6th, an appointment he missed.
His non-compliance is expected to lead to an escalation of the precautionary measure. Should Basciano return to Italy, authorities are mandated to place him under house arrest immediately.
Meanwhile, investigations initiated following Codegoni’s formal complaint are nearing conclusion. Prosecutors allege the 35-year-old Basciano engaged in conduct causing Codegoni “a persistent state of anxiety and fear,” compelling her to alter her lifestyle to avoid encounters. During questioning by investigators on November 28th, Codegoni detailed a pattern of threats, severe insults, and persecutory behavior, corroborated by analysis of chat messages obtained by prosecutors.