Sint-Niklaas (Brussels Morning Newspaper): A girl was abused by her stepfather for 12 years, from ages 6 to 18. He received a 5-year sentence, serving only 2.5 years, and must pay her €5,000.
A girl was abused by her stepfather for 12 years, from the age of 6 to 18. She often slept between her mother and stepfather, and he would hurt her when her mother left the room. The abuse was discovered when the stepfather sent a text saying, “I’m coming over because you still owe me something.” The mother found this message on her daughter’s phone, which led the girl to tell her mother about the abuse.
How did a judge sentence a stepfather to 2.5 years for abuse?
The man denies the abuse, saying the case is weak and only based on a few statements and one text message. However, the judge believes there is enough evidence. The girl did not attend the court because her lawyer said she couldn’t handle it.
The man was sentenced to 5 years in prison but will serve only 2.5 years. He must continue therapy for his issues and pay the girl 5,000 euros. The court’s decision was based on the girl’s statements, a message on his phone, her mother’s statement, and reports from her therapist.
