Alleged rape in Mons station car park: four years demanded against man from La Louvière
A man from La Louvière appeared before the Mons criminal court for multiple rapes of a 19-year-old woman. Judgment is expected in early November.
Alleged rapes of a 19-year-old homeless woman: prosecution seeks four years imprisonment
According to DHnet, a man originally from La Louvière, now residing in the Liège region, faces four years imprisonment before the Mons criminal court. He is prosecuted for multiple rapes allegedly committed against a 19-year-old woman between 1 January and 11 June 2026. The prosecution is also demanding a ban on staying in the Mons area. The defence pleads acquittal.
The facts took place in the Mons station quarter, where both the defendant and the victim were living on the streets. The man presented himself as her protector. The prosecution notably emphasizes the vulnerability of the young woman as well as possible intoxication by substances the defendant allegedly administered to her.
In February 2026, the victim presented herself at hospital, reporting that she had suffered sexual abuse from the person protecting her. She did not wish to file a complaint and returned to live beside him on the streets.
In March, railway police reported suspicious behaviour in the station car park, where the couple habitually spent the night. As the young woman refused to provide further explanation, investigators reviewed surveillance camera footage. This showed a sexual encounter lasting forty-five minutes during which the woman remained unresponsive. Witnesses reported that she had her eyes open, but appeared unconscious.
When questioned, the defendant confirmed having "taken the young woman under his wing" and acknowledged exercising a certain authority over her. He contests, however, having imposed sexual relations on her or having administered substances to her. Both individuals regularly consumed narcotics.
The defendant is no stranger to court appearances: in June 2020, he had been sentenced to fifteen months imprisonment with suspension for robbery with violence.
The victim, who had herself appeared before the same court a few weeks earlier — in the capacity of defendant, whilst detained — has since been convicted for robberies with violence committed near the station. Summoned this time as a victim, she did not appear at the hearing.
Maître Berger, counsel for the defence, maintains that the elements of the case do not allow his client's guilt to be established. He acknowledges the toxic nature of the relationship, but argues that the defendant was in love with the young woman and regarded their relations as consensual. In the alternative, counsel argues that, should the court find against the defendant on the rape charge, this should be limited to the only scene filmed on 10 March. He further emphasises that his client "has no convictions for offences of a sexual nature".
The public prosecution maintains its demand for four years imprisonment without suspension, coupled with a ban on staying in Mons. During proceedings, the court raised the possibility of partial suspension, which could end the electronic monitoring the defendant is currently subject to.
Judgment will be delivered in early November.
Source: DHnet