Two Albanian nationals living in Ostend have been sentenced to three years in prison for intentional assault and battery. They attacked their uncle after he allegedly spread offensive messages about them on social media.
The prosecution had demanded four years in prison for attempted murder, but the two men were sentenced to three years, two and a half years of which are suspended.
Elvis (36) and Stiven D. (23) went to their uncle's home in Bruges on 30 September 2021. When Agostin D. (57) opened the front door, they allegedly immediately dealt him a series of angry blows until he bled and fell unconscious.
According to witnesses, the defendants were holding a hammer as they ran away.
'Excessive' reaction
A conflict within the D. family appeared to be at the root of the incident. Agostin D. allegedly sent offensive messages via Facebook and WhatsApp in the summer of 2021.
The defendants' lawyers argued that there had been incitement but acknowledged that the incident had gotten out of hand. They suggested community service was adequate punishment.
In addition, reference was made to the 57-year-old's psychological problems. He is currently serving a one-year prison sentence for arson. Nevertheless, the prosecution said his nephew's reaction to his offensive message was "excessive".
The two men must also pay their uncle €2,750 in damages.
