The Correctional Court in Veurne, West Flanders, gave a cleaning lady a suspended sentence for fraud after she stole from an elderly client.
The 42-year-old woman, A.V., had been cleaning for a 90-year-old man for about two years and was also assisting him with grocery shopping. However, on 13 August 2024, she transferred €2,500 from his savings account to hers.
In court, A.V. did not deny the charges. Her defence argued that she saw no other option due to serious financial difficulties. She and her partner were unable to pay rent, and their landlord had threatened to evict the family. The accused reportedly fell into depression following the incident.
A mediation process was initiated by the Public Prosecutor but was halted by the victim, leading to A.V.'s court appearance. The 90-year-old man did not act as a civil party during the hearing.
The judge granted a suspended sentence with conditions. Should A.V. fail to follow these conditions or commit another offence, she may still be convicted for stealing the €2,500.
