Three scenes of domestic violence before Charleroi court; two years in prison requested
Jean-Jacques, a repeat offender, is appearing for three counts of violence against his partner. The prosecution is seeking two years in custody; judgment scheduled for 17 September.
Reoffending for domestic violence: two years in custody requested against Jean-Jacques
According to DHnet, it was in a wheelchair, physically diminished, that Jean-Jacques was extracted from Jamioulx prison on Thursday afternoon to answer for three scenes of domestic violence before the criminal court in Charleroi.
First scene: a car door and a bruise
On 1 August 2025, the defendant's partner called the police. According to the prosecution, she attempted to open the vehicle door to get some air, but was restrained by the arm. Officers noted a bruise upon arrival at the scene. Jean-Jacques denies any violence: he claims he restrained her "so she would not go out alone in the dark and be attacked".
Second scene: a slap after a request for aerosol
Approximately a month later, on 28 September, the victim stated she received a slap after asking the defendant for her aerosol. Regarding this elbow blow to the face, the sexagenarian contends that the gesture "was not intentional".
Third scene: a deputy prosecutor witnesses the incident
The most serious incident occurred on 17 July. On that day, it was a deputy prosecutor, present at the location by chance, who alerted the police upon observing a man striking his partner — a "good reflex", according to the prosecution. Upon the officers' arrival, the victim was in a state of shock: her trousers were wet and she bore several bodily injuries, including an open, bleeding wound to her forehead.
The deputy prosecutor explained that the partner had asked the defendant to pick her up from Colruyt. Upon getting into the vehicle, she noticed he was under the influence of alcohol and refused to get in. She was then violently pushed; in falling, her head struck the ground. Two other witnesses confirm having seen the defendant press the victim before forcibly putting her into the car. Jean-Jacques also contests this: he says he made "an accidental swipe" after experiencing a medical episode and denies striking anyone.
The partner defends the defendant; the prosecution does not share this view
Present in the courtroom, the partner came to Jean-Jacques's defence. "The man did nothing; he is innocent", she declared. The magistrate from the prosecution does not share this interpretation of the facts. She is requesting two years in custody, emphasising that the defendant was subject to a suspended probationary sentence at the time of the incidents, having been sentenced in January 2023 for similar violence against a former partner. Jean-Jacques's criminal record also includes two attempted murders.
The defence is seeking a suspended probationary sentence. Judgment is expected on 17 September.
Source: DHnet