On Wednesday, the Public Prosecutor's Office requested a 12-year prison sentence from the Charleroi Criminal Court against a recidivist prisoner, charged with attempted rape, assault and battery, carrying a wooden bar, trespassing and damaging a mosquito net. The accused admitted visiting the home of an 80-year-old woman on four occasions in less than two months.
On 31 July, at around 5:00, an 80-year-old woman was woken from her sleep by the accused. The defendant broke into the house and was put to flight by the blows inflicted by the victim. Moments later, the suspect returned and pushed the woman to the floor before attempting to rape her. "I climbed over the wooden bar that had been placed in the window by the victim, shortly after the first break-in," explained the accused.
A fortnight later, he admitted that he had returned to the elderly woman's home for a third time, slapping her twice in revenge for the blows he had received during the first incident. A fourth visit to the victim's home was made by the accused to damage the mosquito net. The accused only contests that he hit the victim during the attempted rape. "I was under the influence of drink. I sincerely regret what I did," said the man, who was a repeat offender for indecent assault in 2020 and admitted to having an attraction for older people. "It stimulates my libido," he added.
A sentence of 12 years' imprisonment was requested by Deputy Vervaeren. The defence pleaded for a suspended sentence. Judgment is expected on 21 May.
