A court in Charleroi has sentenced a man to three years in prison for assault with intent, threats, illegal entry, and carrying a firearm, although he was acquitted of attempted murder.
On 8 February, a tenant in his seventies filed a complaint with the police against the defendant, who is the owner of his residence. The victim reported that, five days earlier, the defendant had broken into his home by kicking in a window.
The victim was allegedly dragged to the living room and beaten, after which the defendant drew a firearm and threatened him. The defendant reportedly pushed the barrel of the gun into the victim’s throat and attempted to fire, but the weapon jammed both times.
In court, the accused denied having the intention to kill or using a firearm, but admitted to punching the victim twice. The prosecution, noting the defendant’s past record of violence, had sought a ten-year prison sentence.
The defence had argued for acquittal on the grounds of reasonable doubt for the attempted murder charge and a suspended sentence for the two punches.
