On Wednesday, the appeal court in Antwerp sentenced Dimitri Bontinck in his absence to 8 months’ imprisonment, a harsher sentence than at the first trial. The court believes that Jejoen’s father kept his ex-girlfriend in a hotel room against her will and hit her. 41-year-old Dimitri Bontinck and his former partner were meeting in secret as her father disapproved of the relationship.
On November 6th, 2013, the couple booked a hotel room. During the course of the evening, the hotel reception was called repeatedly from their room but each time the phone in the room hung up. After a client in a nearby room complained of hearing fighting, a hotel employee knocked on the door. The employee had to threaten to call the police before Dimitri Bontinck agreed to open the door. His ex-partner then managed to get out of the room, her face black and blue and her kidnapper screaming at her.
In the first instance trial, the accused, who had already received a warning for previous abuse on women, received a 6 months’ suspended sentence. The appeal court took into account his lack of remorse.
Dimitri Bontinck is well-known in Flanders, ever since his son Jejoen went to fight with IS in Syria. Sentenced for this offense, Jejoen is currently appearing at Antwerp criminal court for abusive behaviour towards his partner.
(Source: Belga)
