The public prosecutor's office has demanded a sentence of six months' imprisonment for Eric D. and 18 months for his brother Hugues D. Both defendants were before the courts for assault and battery committed during a brawl in August 2017. The victim, who was attacking Eric D., was struck with a bottle by Hugues D.
In Marcinelle, a group of friends were fooling around before the situation degenerated. Both brothers claimed it was merely a matter of self-defence. Eric D. explained he had been grabbed around the waist from behind and was consequently unable to move. Witnessing the scene and seeing his brother in a difficult position, Hugues D. alleged he had intervened by striking the victim's head with a bottle.
The public prosecutor's office refuted this argument and demanded sentences of 6 and 18 months' imprisonment for the accused: "There are several inconsistencies in their versions of the facts. One of the defendants explained he had seen his brother standing, whereas the other indicated he was on the ground, which discredits the self-defence argument."
Maître Mayence, defending the two brothers, called for their acquittal: "Hugues has already spent five months on pre-trial detention. Eric had asked for nothing and was set upon. His brother simply acted to defend him. I am pleading a case of self-defence." he argued.
The judgment will be pronounced on June 3.
The Brussels Times
Six and 18 months' imprisonment demanded for two brothers following Charleroi brawl
