A woman was seriously injured on June 25, 2023, in Helmond, after being stabbed by her 34-year-old neighbor with a knife. He is also said to have thrown heavy objects at her.
The incident occurs on a sunny day when a woman is unsuspectingly lying in her garden. Suddenly, heavy objects are thrown at her, after which she flees inside. There, she is stabbed multiple times in her upper body and arms with a knife. She is seriously injured and suffers a punctured lung. Neighbors provide first aid. After a report is made to the police, the woman is found seriously injured in her kitchen by officers.
Evidence
It soon becomes clear that the upstairs neighbor of the woman is responsible for the incident. The womans statement is supported by a witness. In the garden, the objects that were thrown at her are found; an ashtray and a glass ball. A blood trail from the victim is found on the suspects balcony and on his arm. The evidence shows that the suspect climbed from the neighbors gate to his balcony after the stabbing.
Attempted Manslaughter
Although the suspect denies it, it is clear to the Public Prosecution Service that he is responsible for the stabbing. He is accused of attempted manslaughter. The prosecutor states: ‘To this day, the victim experiences the physical and mental consequences of this incident. She has endured deathly fears. It is still uncertain how it would have ended if witnesses had not intervened quickly and adequately and provided first aid.’
Reduced Accountability
A report from the Pieter Baan Centre shows that the suspect has serious psychiatric problems. This makes him less accountable. To protect society and prevent recurrence, the Public Prosecution Service believes it is necessary for the suspect to receive treatment. In this case, the prosecutor demands 3 years in prison and compulsory treatment. The judge will rule in two weeks.