A 51-year-old man appeared before the correctional court in Mechelen on Tuesday, accused of fraud, violating a professional ban, and illegal possession of weapons, with his then-wife also standing trial as an accomplice in several fraud cases.
Prosecutors are seeking a 42-month prison sentence and a €2,000 fine for the man, while requesting a 15-month prison term and an €800 fine for the woman.
The man is no stranger to the justice system, having been convicted 42 times, including ten instances of fraud or betrayal of trust. Using a false identity as a handyman, he reportedly solicited advance payments for jobs — often in cash — but never delivered on the promised work.
“He fabricated excuses when clients asked why the work wasn’t carried out,” the prosecutor stated. “He claimed his father or brother had passed away, that the weather was too poor, or materials had not been delivered or were incorrect. These lies kept his victims waiting for months. Once their patience ran out, he would block their numbers and ignore emails or calls.”
Prosecutors argue that the man’s motive was purely to pocket the advance payments, with no genuine intention to complete any jobs. His ex-wife allegedly assisted in around ten cases by providing her bank account for transactions or personally collecting cash payments from clients.
“For the man, we are requesting 42 months of imprisonment, a €2,000 fine, and an extension of his professional ban,” the prosecutor added. “As for the woman, we are seeking a prison sentence of 15 months and an €800 fine.”
In defence, the man requested his sentence be merged with a prior 12-month prison term imposed by the Dendermonde court for similar offences. The woman, however, appealed for her sentence to be suspended.
Twelve victims have filed civil complaints as part of the case.
