Former footballer and sports commentator Eddy Snelders has appealed against a recent sentencing related to a morality case, according to his lawyer Sanne De Clerck.
Although Snelders does not dispute his guilt, the nature of the offences, or the damages to be paid, he challenges the five-year prison sentence, 42 months of which are suspended.
On 23 June, Snelders was convicted of voyeurism, exhibitionism, and sexual assault against his neighbour and stepdaughter, who was a minor at the time. However, he was acquitted of assaulting his housekeeper and possessing images of child sexual violence. The 60-year-old must also pay substantial damages—amounting to approximately €100,000 in total—to around 35 plaintiffs and is subject to probation for 10 years.
The appeal was filed on the final day possible. “My client thought long and hard about his decision to appeal,” explained De Clerck. “He also wishes for the victims to find closure and peace, hence the limited scope of the appeal.”
According to the lawyer, the prison sentence implies uncertainty about how long Snelders would actually be incarcerated within the current penal system. During his potential imprisonment, he would lose access to therapeutic and psychological support, which De Clerck argues would be detrimental. “My client needs continuous support after crossing boundaries for years.”
