Zeebrugge flat resident (59) with 37 convictions before court after arson threat
A 59-year-old man terrorised his neighbours in Zeebrugge for months with threats and vandalism. Bruges criminal court will deliver its ruling on 10 December.
Zeebrugge resident threatened neighbours with knife and arson
On 22 December 2025, police officers were dispatched to an apartment building in Zeebrugge, where resident F.V. (59) was demolishing his own flat in a heavily intoxicated state. He was shouting, removing his clothes and made serious threats upon his arrest: "If I get out, I'll set fire to the building and stab the first neighbour I come across with a knife."
Nieuwsblad reports that F.V. appeared before Bruges criminal court on Thursday. The prosecutor stated that the defendant had terrorised his neighbours for some time. "They lived in constant fear," was said. "The defendant not only made threats but also stamped on their doors."
In his interrogation, F.V. himself made a remarkable statement: he claimed to be a victim of bullying by the other residents. A neighbour flatly denied this at trial and indicated he had lived elsewhere for months. He requested a restraining order.
F.V. was previously placed under electronic surveillance and was conditionally released on 20 February. He spent time in psychiatric care, but subsequently reverted to his old habits. Since 17 September he has been back in custody.
The prosecutor requested a year of conditional imprisonment. According to the court psychiatrist, F.V. is not mentally ill. His criminal record contains 37 convictions, including assault, vandalism and rape.
F.V.'s defence counsel could accept the imposition of conditions. "His life has been marked by tragedies and under the influence of alcohol he loses control," she said. "He needs a long-term psychiatric admission."
The social housing company has since evicted F.V. from his flat. The court will deliver its ruling on 10 December.
Source: Nieuwsblad