The Public Prosecution Service East Netherlands demands an 18-month prison sentence, of which 6 months are conditional, against a 38-year-old man who allegedly scratched dozens of cars at various locations in Harderwijk on March 13, 2025. Investigations showed that these vandalism acts all took place between 10 PM and midnight. A total of 86 reports were filed.
The man was arrested on March 16. The Public Prosecution Service decided to extend his pre-trial detention due to the commotion caused in Harderwijk. The mans mental state and personal circumstances also played an important role. He has no residence status in the Netherlands, no family, and no daily activities. The risk of reoffending was assessed as high. His pre-trial detention has been continuously extended until todays court hearing.
Experts have identified psychological issues with the suspect. However, the Public Prosecution Service does not aim for treatment because the man has no future in the Netherlands. The man himself says he wants to return to Iraq and could be deported after serving his sentence.
The suspect denies the vandalism but recognizes himself on the camera footage. When determining the sentence, the Public Prosecution Service relies on 70 acts of vandalism proven by camera footage. In other cases, there is insufficient evidence without (clear) camera footage. These complainants have already been informed that the public prosecutor will request acquittal for those cases.
Given the large number of scratches, the guidelines the Public Prosecution Service uses for vandalism are not applicable, according to the public prosecutor. “This concerns 70 scratches, with damage costs amounting to about a thousand euros per vehicle.” Therefore, only an unconditional prison sentence is appropriate.
All things considered, the public prosecutor demands an 18-month prison sentence, of which 6 months are conditional with a probation period of three years. Taking into account the time the man has spent in pre-trial detention, he would still have to remain in prison for over four months. The Repatriation and Departure Service is responsible for the return procedure.
