The Charleroi Criminal Court on Thursday sentenced Sébastien V to seven years in prison for arson.
The defendant, who is being detained under electronic surveillance, had denied setting fire to a vehicle, while the prosecution had requested the seven-year prison sentence.
On 28 January last, a vehicle was destroyed by fire on Rue de Chapelle in Trazegnies (Courcelles, Hainaut). Around 10 days later, the companion of the man whose vehicle was burnt raised suspicions about the defendant, her former neighbour.
“She also provided CCTV images of her home and the man’s former home," the prosecution said. "She had several disputes with her former neighbour, who also returned to the premises on several occasions after he moved out.”
A search of the defendant's home uncovered work clothes similar to those worn by the arsonist. “There was a jacket and trousers with reflective strips. Not to mention that the images show hisstation wagon with the Sporting de Charleroi logo in the middle of its rear windscreen,” added the prosecutor's office.
Sébastien V., a repeat offender with two previous convictions for similar offences, was sentenced to seven years in prison. The defence had pleaded for an acquittal.
