Man threatens to set prison on fire after he hears punishment in court (Mechelen)
The court in Mechelen. – © Theo Derkinderen
The correctional court of Mechelen has found a 40-year-old man from Morocco guilty of various shoplifting. When the man heard his punishment – fifteen months effective and 800 euros fine -, he said he would set fire to prison if he was not released quickly.
The man was caught red -handed on October 14, 2024 when he wanted to commit a theft at Aldi. He fled away, but could be stopped in the parking lot by a civilian agent. He identified himself, but still got several strikes. A second, unknown man was involved in the facts. He ran away during the skirmish with the police bracelet and coat of the agent.
« The defendant did not state who the other man was, but it is clear to us that they were working together, » said the attorney, who progressed fifteen months in jail and a fine of 800 euros. During the investigation, the defendant could be linked to two other thefts.
The man denied the other two thefts, and repeated at the hearing that he did not know that the intervening man was an agent. He apologized and gave the civil party a big hug. He has to pay him 500 euros.
But when hearing his sentence, the man was less enthusiastic. « I’m going to set the prison on fire if I don’t release quickly, » he told court. « This punishment is totally disproportionate. » However, the judge was not impressed and gave the man in prison for fifteen months and a fine of 800 euros, both effectively. Because the man does not have a fixed address in our country, the further arrest was ordered so that the man will have to serve his punishment completely.
