Houthalen man faces prison sentence for delayed intervention after housemate's death
A 60-year-old man from Houthalen-Helchteren is on trial for failing to call for help when his housemate (56) was in mortal danger. The woman died of a brain haemorrhage. After her death, he withdrew 550 euros from her account.
Houthalen man faces prison sentence for delayed intervention after housemate's death
A 60-year-old man from Houthalen-Helchteren must answer to the court for failing to provide timely assistance to his deceased housemate. The woman, from Heusden-Zolder and aged 56, died at the end of March 2024 from a brain haemorrhage possibly linked to cocaine use. The public prosecutor is seeking a prison sentence of 30 months and a fine of 800 euros.
The victim was in a precarious situation. Shortly before, her home had been destroyed by fire and due to drug use she had lost contact with family members. The man, who had known her for just over a year, took her into his home.
According to the prosecutor, he noticed 24 hours before the fatal outcome that the woman was in serious trouble. She had a severe cough and appeared to be choking. Foam was visible around her mouth. The suspect himself admitted that the victim was in serious danger. Nevertheless, he warned no one.
The next day he went for a walk with her dog. Notably, the animal was waiting downstairs by the front door, which it had never normally done. After the walk, he established that the woman was no longer responding. Instead of immediately contacting the emergency services or neighbours, he cycled to his doctor. Only at 15.30 hours did a report reach the fire brigade and ambulance, but all intervention came too late.
In court, the man claimed that he did not have a mobile phone on him and thought that rescue was still possible. He said he had no knowledge of resuscitation. He found the dog's behaviour at most strange, but he thought the animal wanted to go out.
After the victim's death, he took her bank card and withdrew 550 euros. His explanation was that she owed him that money. The prosecutor pointed out that the defendant already has 31 previous convictions, including for drug offences and theft. "He did nothing to save her, but made an effort to get his hands on her money," she stated. She requested 5,000 euros in compensation for the two daughters.
The prosecutor characterised the death as drug-related. A brain haemorrhage was the cause of death, possibly triggered by cocaine. The substance was found in her blood, although there was no evidence of an overdose.
The defendant's counsel, Peter Donné, argued for acquittal on grounds of negligence. He pointed out that coughing does not necessarily indicate a stroke and that his client had even suggested to the woman that she take a bath. "He acted with honour and conscience. In his world he is not negligent." However, the lawyer acknowledged that taking money after her death "was not tasteful". He requested a suspended sentence. Judgment on 20 July.
Source: Het Belang van Limburg