“As a parent, coming to your sons bed in the morning and finding an empty bed... The panic, the all-consuming fear. For the parents of the 1-year-old child, this was a reality on August 10 of last year.”
The suspect admitted in court that he took the child from the home around 5 AM because he heard it crying. He then took the child to a nearby residence. In his first statement to the police, and also later to the examining magistrate, the suspect stated that he had sexually abused the boy. His statement was detailed. Later, the suspect retracted this statement. Even in court, he vehemently denied the abuse. However, the Public Prosecution Service considers his first statement to be reliable. An expert who examined the reliability of the statement found no indications that it was a false statement.
The prosecutor stated that extensive and careful research had been done to determine exactly what happened. The suspect kidnapped the child, made sexually inappropriate comments, and masturbated while the child was still in the residence.” The parents noticed behavioral changes in their child after the incident. Especially when, for example, his diaper needed to be changed, he reacted fearfully. A behavioral expert stated during the hearing that this behavior could be indicative of sexual abuse.
In addition to the aforementioned facts, the Public Prosecution Service also suspects the defendant of theft. This involves USB sticks, a phone, and a womens underwear found in the suspects pocket.
According to experts, the committed acts cannot be fully attributed to the suspect. The suspect has, among other things, a long history in mental health care. Given his complex issues and the high risk of reoffending, the Public Prosecution Service believes that forensic treatment is necessary in a secure setting and within a TBS framework. Society must be protected from this suspect.
The prosecutor demanded 4 years in prison, with credit for pre-trial detention, and mandatory treatment. Additionally, she demanded a ban on contact with the victim and his family. The suspect should also not be allowed in the municipality of Barneveld for 5 years, according to the Public Prosecution Service. Finally, the prosecutor asked the court to grant the request for compensation.