Man from Blankenberge appeals prison sentence for violence against his own children
A 37-year-old father, currently living in Ghent, is challenging a prison sentence of fifteen months for assaulting his three young children in Blankenberge. The incidents spanned a period of nearly two years.
Man from Blankenberge appeals prison sentence for violence against his own children
Repeated incidents of violence directed at three young children took place in a coastal home between early 2022 and late 2023. The youngest was barely four years old when it began, the oldest eight. It involved two girls and a boy who were under the care of their 37-year-old father.
The case came to light after a kindergarten teacher raised the alarm. One of the daughters arrived at school with clear red marks on her hands. The girl stated that her father had hit her with a stick, including in the face.
During interrogation, the man initially denied any involvement. He claimed that the family pet had jumped on his daughter and that the injuries resulted from this. "Perhaps it happened while playing, but I myself did nothing," he said in his defence.
The Bruges judge was not convinced and sentenced him on 22 May 2025 to a custodial prison sentence of fifteen months. The man did not appear at the hearing. He is currently in pre-trial detention and filed an appeal from prison.
During the recent hearing, he maintained that he had never received a summons letter. Initially he maintained his denial, but later admitted that he may have struck a blow once. As an explanation, he cited his responsibility as a single parent for bringing up the children.
The court wants to gain further insight into the current situation of both the defendant and the minors. For this reason, the case was adjourned until 8 October. Before that date, the man must provide documentation from the children's school and from his current employment. Until the next hearing, he may be released from prison.
Source: Het Nieuwsblad
Source: Nieuwsblad