Woman scratches ex's lover's BMW with screwdriver in Anderlecht
A woman in her thirties appeared before Brussels' criminal court for damaging the vehicle of her former husband's new partner in a context of mutual harassment.
Woman scratches ex's lover's BMW with screwdriver in Anderlecht
A woman in her thirties was tried before Brussels' criminal court for incidents that occurred on 11 April in Anderlecht. Filmed by passers-by, she had used a tool to damage a vehicle's bodywork in the middle of traffic, whilst hurling insults at the driver.
Law enforcement officers who attended the scene arrested the perpetrator. She is being prosecuted for vehicle damage and carrying an offensive weapon by destination, the screwdriver having been used to commit the vandalism.
The defendant, a single mother of four children including an autistic boy, claims to have been harassed for months by the complainant. The latter is reportedly in a relationship with her former husband. According to the explanations given at the hearing, the complainant reportedly presented herself repeatedly at her home, published content denigrating her on social media, and her private address and medical data were made public online.
The defence emphasised that the defendant's home had also been targeted by an attempted arson while her children were sleeping inside. The lawyer pleaded provocation, arguing that his client had been pushed to the limit before committing this act, which he described as "minor" in material terms, but revealing of profound distress.
From the public prosecutor's side, the representative acknowledged the existence of several statements filed by the defendant against the complainant. However, he considered that the accused was downplaying her own responsibility by presenting herself as a victim. He requested a custodial sentence, possibly suspended, to highlight the inadequacy of her conduct.
A separate procedure should examine the harassment accusations of which the defendant claims to be a victim. The criminal court's decision will be delivered on 22 July.
Source: La Libre