Some 90% of young offenders judged in courts for adults between 1999 and 2001 were sentenced at least once in the meantime, reveals research by VUB (Brussels Flemish-language Free University) published by daily Le Soir on Thursday. Over half of youths concerned (56.4%) have been jailed between three and six times since their first sentence.
The most serious crimes (rape, murder and manslaughter) committed by the majority offenders only represent 9.3% of cases. The authors of the research note however that offenders tend to specialise in crimes against property (violent robberies or burglaries) rather than commit ever more serious crimes.
(Source: Belga)
