Violent ex-husband in Charleroi: one year in prison sought for assault, harassment and threats
A 40-year-old man appeared before the courts on Friday for domestic violence, harassment and threats against his ex-wife. The prosecution is seeking a minimum sentence of one year.
Ex-wife forced into hiding after domestic violence in Charleroi
For nearly two years, a woman has been living in seclusion in a shelter, with no social life, after being the victim of domestic violence, harassment and threats from her ex-husband Mohamed, according to DHnet. The judgment is expected for 23 October.
The marriage ended on 31 December 2024, following a violent incident that occurred in the presence of a couple of friends: Mohamed had slapped his wife. However, the separation did not put an end to the victim's ordeal. The ex-husband continued his behaviour by sending threatening emails and messages, leading the woman to seek help from the police to be placed in safety.
"She simply wants to be left in peace and to return to work, as she did before. But, as the defendant himself says, she has been lying low like a rat for almost two years," the victim's lawyer declared before the court. Other complaints have since been filed with police services.
No dispute over the main facts
At Friday morning's hearing, Mohamed did not contest the substance of the charges against him, though he maintained that his ex-wife "exaggerates a lot" on certain details. He also did not deny a second act of violence committed against a friend he was housing at his home. Unhappy with the way she was organizing his belongings, he seized her by the biceps to expel her, causing her redness and scratches.
Minimum sentence of one year sought
The prosecution has sought a prison sentence of at least one year against the 40-year-old man, previously unknown to the justice system, without opposing a suspended sentence with probation. Two conditions are desired: training in anger management and a ban on contact between Mohamed and his ex-wife.
The defence, for its part, pleaded for a simple suspension of sentencing, citing the defendant's behaviour described as "inappropriate" and his intention to restart his life in Switzerland.
Source: DHnet