The Charleroi Criminal Court has sentenced a father to seven years in prison for sexually assaulting his daughter over a period of five years.
The victim was seven years old when the abuse began, and it was reported by her piano teacher. The prosecutor had requested the prison sentence that was ultimately imposed.
On 19 November, the police were alerted by the piano teacher about the sexual assault suffered by her student. From the end of May, the teacher noticed a sudden change in the victim’s behaviour, previously described as a “little ray of sunshine” in daily life. The child’s worrying behaviour persisted into September, prompting the teacher to ask the girl directly, who revealed she had been “violated, only with hands” for five years.
In court, the father admitted to the charges brought by his daughter, acknowledging the duration of the offences. He expressed remorse, stating, “I know I have done harm, I regret it and I apologise. I’m trying to understand why I did this.” During questioning, the defendant cited “impulses” and dissatisfaction with his relationship with his wife as reasons for his actions.
The prosecutor recommended a seven-year prison sentence for the accused, noting that he had previously offended as a teenager against his four-year-old half-sister. An expert evaluation concluded there is a 39% risk of reoffending within ten years. The defence had argued for a probationary suspension.
