Kortrijk (Brussels Morning Newspaper): In September, a 28-year-old man from Otegem shot three men during a drug deal gone wrong. He later turned himself into the police. He also faced court for a 2021 pedestrian accident, resulting in increased penalties.
In September, a 28-year-old man from Otegem, Kortrijk was involved in a violent fight at his home after a drug deal went wrong. Three angry men addressed him, and when things escalated, he shot at them. One of the men was seriously injured but managed to leave before the police arrived. After the shooting, everyone involved ran away and was not caught right away.
Will the Otegem Shooter and Kortrijk drivers face justice for their crimes?
After escaping, the 28-year-old shooter later turned himself into the police and was arrested. He has been in custody since the incident while police investigate what happened during the failed drug deal and the fight. They mentioned that this case has raised questions about how the violence started and the involvement of everyone, as authorities work to determine responsibility and any possible charges related to the shooting.
On the day he appeared in court, a 28-year-old man also faced questions about a 2021 accident in Kortrijk, where he hit a 35-year-old pedestrian at a crosswalk. The pedestrian’s lawyer stated that his client still suffers severe effects, losing 80% of his abilities. The driver was initially sentenced to four months in prison, fined 2,800 euros, and given a 1.5-year driving ban after an expert found he was speeding, hadn’t braked, and had traces of cocaine. He appealed, with his lawyer arguing that the pedestrian suddenly stepped out between parked cars.
After an appeal, a driver who hit a pedestrian is facing punishment. An expert said the driver was at fault, so his prison sentence went from 4 months to 1 year, and his driving ban was increased to 5 years. The fine was removed. The lawyer wanted the cases handled separately, but that request was denied. The prosecutor called the driver a serious criminal with 23 past convictions and said he didn’t deserve mercy.
