The boy’s stepfather was jailed for 18 months. Both were found guilty of inhumane treatment, according to the court. According to the court, no connection has been established between the violence that the victim had to endure and his eventual suicide.
The case revolves around the death of 13-year-old Alexander, who took his own life in January 2019. After his death, an investigation was opened in which the boy’s adoptive mother filed a civil suit. According to her, Alexander was so mistreated by his biological mother and her husband that he decided to take his own life.
Her lawyer asked the court to sentence the defendants for inhumane treatment “resulting in death”, which risked a more severe sentence, but the judges did not agree.
Abuse
The couple from Vilvoorde was guilty of inhumane treatment and harassment. Thus, the boy became socially isolated and was constantly monitored. It happened that the boy had his hair shaved off as a punishment, after which he was obliged to go to school like that.
The biological mother also physically abused Alexander, the court ruled. She had admitted this herself in the course of the investigation. In addition, the file contained various witness statements about the many bruises with which the victim often walked.
In appeal?
The defense argued for the acquittal at the trial. “My client is only guilty of defective motherhood,” said lawyer Wouter Smet. He is therefore considering appealing against the verdict.
