Attempted knife-point extortion in Charleroi café: up to five years sought
The Charleroi public prosecutor's office sought sentences of two and five years in prison against two men tried for attempting to extort 200 euros from a café manager under the threat of a meat cleaver.
Attempted knife-point extortion in Charleroi café: up to five years sought
The Charleroi public prosecutor's office sought on Friday prison sentences ranging from two to five years against two individuals. They are accused of having attempted to forcibly extract 200 euros from the manager of a drinking establishment on 30 December 2023, according to DH Les Sports+.
According to investigation findings, the victim was forced to go into the establishment's toilets. There, his assailants allegedly demanded this sum from him to finance their consumption of alcohol and illicit substances.
The two defendants deny having committed this offence. The second accused nevertheless admits to having carried a meat cleaver that evening, which he says he brought to ensure his own safety.
The deputy prosecutor requested a conviction of two years for the first man and five years for the second. This difference is due to the second defendant's serious criminal record; he is currently imprisoned following a previous conviction to nine years in prison. The public prosecutor's representative denounced his "contempt for the severe warnings" already issued against him.
The imprisoned defendant's lawyer pleaded his client's innocence. He highlighted the statements of witnesses who identify the other accused as the one who accompanied the victim to the toilets. According to him, his client was in the café's main room or outside for a cigarette at the time of the incident.
For the second defendant, his defence requested a probationary suspension for the sole offence of carrying a weapon, to allow him to undergo a detoxification programme for his alcohol problem.
The court's decision is expected on 31 August.
Source: DHnet