The Charleroi Correctional Court on Monday sentenced two men charged with robbing a pharmacy to five years in prison, with a five-year probationary period for any time exceeding three years.
The incident occurred on 31 March 2022 when, armed with a hatchet and imitation firearm, Lenny L. and Mehdi E.H. broke into a pharmacy in Leval-Trahegnies, Hainaut. They bound the establishment's two employees in the office, searched for the safe, then fled in a vehicle, taking medication, the employees’ mobile phones, and €650.
Traces of blood found at the scene were later identified as Lenny L.’s.
Following a search at his home, he confessed to the robbery and provided information on the identity of his accomplice, who also admitted his involvement, citing a drug-related debt as his motive.
The prosecution recommended prison sentences of four and five years for the two suspects, but did not oppose a partial suspension with probation.
The defence called for a jail term of less than five years with probation.
