Two police inspectors have been found guilty of forging an official police report and one of beating and injuring a woman who had been arrested. However, both sentences have been suspended.
The two police officers were involved in the arrest of a woman who had committed partner violence in October 2020. She behaved very aggressively, both verbally and physically, and sustained an injury to her head whilst in police detention. She was taken to a hospital by several officers, where she attacked a female officer, who called for reinforcement. In response, another officer beat the woman to the ground.
However, these facts were not included in the official report that was filed following the incident. It was the victim who lodged a complaint with civil action with the examining magistrate in Mechelen. Four nurses were then questioned, and stated that a "police inspector deliberately struck the handcuffed victim one or more times with the head or face against the ground".
A medical certificate and photograph taken the day after confirmed injuries to the face. But despite this material evidence, the report prepared by the officers did not disclose that the victim was forcibly taken to the ground by the inspector and hurt in the process. There was also no mention of her injuries to the face. The court of first instance in Mechelen ruled on Thursday that the two had intentionally minimised their role.
Guilty, but no prison sentence
The court found the two officers guilty of facts of wilful aggression and falsifying public documents. But despite the severity of their offence, they received suspended sentences, meaning they will not be imprisoned but will instead have to pay damages of €5,000 and the court's punitive damage, amounting to €975.
In his ruling, the judge stressed that police play "an essential role in security and maintaining order, whereby they are entrusted with a great deal of power and responsibility." He added that "these powers must be exercised with the utmost care and caution".
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The court highlighted that drawing up correct official reports is fundamental to police activity, as these documents form the basis for decisions by the public prosecutor's office, investigating magistrates, and courts.
"The court therefore looks seriously on the defendants' conduct, which shows a lack of sense of norms and an abuse of power," the ruling read.
However, the judge was willing to suspend the prison sentence as the defendants had blank criminal records. The court also took into account the difficult circumstances in which the incident took place. The sentence can be revoked if new details arise in the next three years.
"Defendants should realise that this is a big favour that will give them the chance to recover and continue to live their lives properly," the court concluded.
