Hasselt man faces five years in prison over girlfriend's fatal overdose
A 41-year-old man from Hasselt is on trial for administering GHB to his severely addicted girlfriend, who died as a result. The prosecution is seeking five years in prison and a fine of €8,000.
Hasselt man faces five years in prison over girlfriend's fatal overdose
A 41-year-old man from Hasselt must answer in the district court for the death of his partner. The 38-year-old woman, mother of two children, died in January last year as a result of drug intoxication.
The events took place on 22 and 23 January. The victim was in a critical condition: she was sweating, trembling and had lost all self-control. The accused stated that his girlfriend did not want help because she had had bad experiences with hospitals. Instead of calling 112, he sought contact with acquaintances to obtain GHB — referred to in their circles as "water". He gave the substance to the victim in an attempt to improve her condition. In addition, he placed a syringe with the substance beside her, but it was impossible for her to inject it herself. Only when a friend of the victim intervened and alerted the emergency services did help arrive. But by then it was too late.
The public prosecutor regards the man as partially responsible for the death. According to the prosecutor, the woman died as a result of his actions and omissions. The GHB he supplied is said to have played a role in her death. The prosecution also pointed to a lack of guilt awareness during the investigation. The court was asked to impose a prison sentence of five years and a fine of €8,000.
The defence, represented by advocate Isaura Oxynoudis, presented counter-arguments. The victim had used multiple substances and also suffered from pneumonia and a chronic illness. According to the defence counsel, it cannot be conclusively proven that the GHB supplied by her client was specifically the fatal cause. She also rejected the accusation of criminal negligence. With regard to the possession and supply of narcotics, she asked that no additional penalty be imposed, given that the Hasselt man had already received two years in prison in May last year for drug offences.
The accused also made a closing statement. He expressed regret and said he thinks of his deceased partner every day. Judgment will be delivered on 8 July.
Source: Het Belang van Limburg