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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium /Crime & Justice

Appeal Trial Begins for Driver Who Fatally Struck Family in Ruddervoorde; Prosecution Seeks 3 Years

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified In the courts
  • An appeal trial began for a driver who fatally struck a family in Ruddervoorde two summers ago.
  • The driver was initially sentenced to five years, with one year suspended, earlier this year.
  • The prosecution deemed the initial sentence too lenient and has appealed for a harsher penalty, seeking three years of actual imprisonment.

The appeal trial has commenced for the driver responsible for a fatal accident in Ruddervoorde that claimed the lives of a family two summers prior. The proceedings focus on a sentence that the prosecution argues was too lenient, prompting their decision to seek a harsher penalty.

Earlier this year, the driver received a sentence of five years in prison, with one year of that term to be served effectively and the remainder suspended. However, the prosecution found this punishment insufficient given the gravity of the offense. They are now advocating for a more severe sentence, specifically requesting three years of actual, non-suspended jail time.

The case involves a tragic incident where the driver's actions led to the deaths of two family members. The initial sentencing had already included a period of incarceration, but the prosecution's appeal indicates a belief that the court did not adequately reflect the severity of the crime or the profound loss experienced by the victims' loved ones. The outcome of this appeal trial will determine the final extent of the driver's accountability.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.