Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper): A couple’s court case in Tongeren proceeded without them after they missed multiple hearings. The city of Genk seeks to restore its garden and may impose a €2,000 fine, with a verdict due on November 26.
A couple who owns a house had their case heard in a Tongeren court in March, but they didn’t attend the hearing. They have now missed another court date, so the court has decided to continue the case without them.
How does a judge decide cases when the accused fails to appear in Court?
In cases where the accused does not appear in court, the judge decides based on the evidence already submitted. This often happens when someone misses multiple hearings. Since the couple did not show up, the judge will review the information and decide without their input.
This case started when the city of Genk asked homeowners to remove some paving from their gardens, as they had covered their front, side, and nearly all of the back with paving stones. The city requires a permit for paving larger than 80 square meters, and since the owners did not respond to a reminder, the case was sent to the Limburg public prosecutor’s office. In court, the prosecutor requested that the garden be restored to its original state and mentioned a possible fine of 2,000 euros for the owners. A verdict is expected on November 26.
