Five years imprisonment and TBS. That is what the Public Prosecution Service Limburg (OM) demanded today against a 63-year-old man from Venray. He stabbed his neighbor in the head with a knife. The victim was seriously injured. The prosecutor at the court of Roermond today considered attempted manslaughter and illegal possession of a stabbing weapon proven.
The stabbing took place on April 6 last year on a public road in Venray. There had been ongoing disputes between the suspect and his neighbor because the suspect had installed cameras that filmed, among other things, the victims home. The man confronted the suspect several times, leading to various arguments.
Walking the dog
On the day in April in question, the victim was walking his dog. As he left, he saw the suspect. They both walked in different directions but then met again. The suspect continued walking and then returned. Out of nowhere, the suspect stabbed his neighbor in the head, causing a deep wound. He then stabbed multiple times towards the upper body of his neighbor. The suspect admitted to the police that he stabbed the victim. However, their accounts differ regarding the cause. The suspect claims he was provoked by his neighbor and that he started the attack.
Witness statements and footage
The Public Prosecution Service finds that based on witness statements and video footage of the confrontation, the suspect attacked the victim violently and without provocation. The victim sustained serious injuries. The prosecutor at the hearing said: “The victim is marked for life by the scars he sustained. Since then, he has experienced flashbacks, sleep problems, and a constant feeling of insecurity. The incident deeply affected not only him but also his partner and surroundings.”
Disorder
Based on expert research, it appears that the suspect suffers from a personality disorder and an alcohol use disorder. This was also the case at the time of the offense. From a behavioral perspective, experts see sufficient indications that the suspects freedom of choice is impaired, leading them to advise attributing the stabbing to the suspect to a lesser extent. Regarding possession of an illegal weapon, experts conclude that although he may feel threatened quickly, he does not constantly believe he is in danger and therefore needs to carry a weapon. They fully attribute the illegal (stabbing) weapon possession to the suspect.
Treatment
Experts state that treatment is necessary to prevent recurrence. The vulnerable suspect may find himself in another conflict from which he cannot extricate himself. Based on expert advice, the prosecutor demanded today, in addition to five years imprisonment with credit for pre-trial detention, TBS with conditions.
The courts verdict will be in two weeks.
