A fine of 149 euros was, according to the Public Prosecution Service, the reason for an explosion at the home of a police officer in Best. The attack took place on Sunday, December 13, 2020. While the officer was at work, his family was present in the house. Despite the great force of the explosion, there were no injuries. A 44-year-old man from Waalre is said to be responsible and had to answer to the judge today. The Public Prosecution Service demands 6 years in prison for him.
The prosecutor begins his plea with a sketch of the victim: ‘This police officer dedicated his life to the safety of others. As a marine, he served in Afghanistan. He then joined the police force. He worked as a security guard when, following the Marengo trial and the murder of Derk Wiersum, individuals with a role in the rule of law needed protection. He then became a neighborhood officer, where he sought to connect with young people. This is a police officer with considerable experience. Experience that deserves respect and admiration. It is tragic that he became a victim of an attack on his home.’
Traffic Violations
Immediately after the explosion at the home, the police launched an investigation. The detectives worked for two years on the investigation and then tracked down the suspect. The evidence, which consists of chat conversations, camera footage from scouting scooter riders, and wiretaps, also reveals the motive for the attack. This was linked to the issuing of traffic violations by the officer in question. On December 11, the suspects son received a third fine in a short period of time. Preparations took place on December 11 and 12, leading to the attack in the night from December 12 to 13.
Attack Leaves Marks
The enormous danger that the police officer and his family faced is evident from the potential of the firework bomb. A report from the NFI indicates that an explosion from close range can result in very serious bodily injury or death. The prosecutor states: ‘The sad thing about todays case is that an officer becomes a victim because he is doing his job. Once again: the reason was a fine of 149 euros. This is completely unacceptable. The attack has left its marks. Physically in the form of a crack in the facade. Mentally through the disruption of a person, of a family.’
Given all the facts and circumstances, where violence against a police officer is taken very seriously, the Public Prosecution Service comes to a demand for a sentence of 6 years in prison. The court will rule on this case in two weeks.
Violence Against Police
Individuals with a public task must be able to perform their work undisturbed. Without them, society is seriously disrupted. Unfortunately, it regularly happens that employees from police, public transport companies, healthcare institutions, municipalities, and other caregivers are confronted with violence and aggression. The Public Prosecution Service takes these cases very seriously: they are treated with priority, and in about 85% of the reports, this leads to a criminal response. Read more about it here.
