Former radio and television presenter Sven Pichal, 45, accused of possessing and disseminating images of sexual violence against children, appeared this Monday before the criminal court, where he was due to speak. He faces, in theory, up to ten years in prison.
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What are the charges against Sven Pichal?
The former radio and television presenter appears before the Antwerp criminal court for possession and dissemination of images of sexual violence against minors. Investigators found a total of 131 photos and videos on his phone and computer depicting abuse of young children and babies. While most of the images date from the year before his arrest, the oldest date back to 2014.
The court assumes that the images are, in reality, much more numerous, the defendant having deleted an “undetermined number”.
There is no indication that the former host physically engaged in sexual abuse, but it appears from obscene conversations held on Bullchat that he fantasized about people in his immediate circle. Child Focus had also requested that he also be prosecuted for the latter, but the prosecution did not grant this request.
Furthermore, during a search carried out at the VRT, which employed him at the time, the police discovered, in Sven Pichal’s locker, a quantity of cocaine intended for personal use. The presenter also had 3-MMC, a synthetic drug, delivered to his workplace. The prosecution intended to prosecute Sven Pichal for drug use in a separate proceeding, but he received a reprieve from the chamber of the council – that is to say, he is found guilty, but is not sanctioned subject to compliance with certain conditions.
Flanders in shock: Sven Pichal, radio star, accused of child pornography
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Who are the victims?
The images found on Sven Pichal’s computer are horrific, but none of the children appearing in them could be identified.
The images it collected allowed the federal police unit responsible for child abuse to recognize 30 victims in 2023, compared to 44 in 2024 at the last count. But this is only the tip of the iceberg, since it is estimated that 19 million images are shared every day.
To give a voice to the children concerned, Child Focus became a civil party in the Pichal affair. “We intervene for all unidentified victims who cannot make themselves heard,” explains Stephan Smets, communications director of the foundation. “These children are victims on two counts: because of the abuse they suffered, but also because of the images, which continue to haunt them. Knowing that images of the abuse are circulating gives victims the feeling of an eternal beginning again. »
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What does Sven Pichal risk?
The defendant admitted the facts. His statements indicate that during his searches for images of child pornography on the internet at night, he was almost always under the influence of narcotics.
If convicted, he faces five to ten years in prison. But it is unlikely that he will be sentenced to such a sentence: these types of cases often end in a probationary suspension, a measure which allows the sentence not to be carried out subject to compliance with certain conditions.
Sven Pichal has been receiving treatment since his release and his lawyers will undoubtedly argue for his continuation.
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How was the affair started?
The investigation begins in the summer of 2023. At the beginning of August, Benoît D., producer of musical comedies, went to the police, forced by his roommate, who discovered appalling images of child abuse on his cell phone. .
The investigators then realize that Benoît D. has done much worse. As part of the production of a musical, he approaches two minors and convinces their parents to let them spend evenings at his house. Sexual abuse then followed over several years. Benoît D. was sentenced to eight years in prison last May.
Analysis of his phone and computer then revealed that Benoît D. also exchanged images with Sven Pichal and two other men via Bullchat. Thus, in June, musical comedy actor Reuben DB was sentenced to 30 months in prison and fined. The investigation revealed that he himself was the victim of sexual abuse as a child. Another 43-year-old man, from Sint-Truiden, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and a fine of 4,000 euros, also suspended.
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Will Sven Pichal be in court?
This is what is expected. He should also speak there. Many details have filtered out about the legal investigation in recent months, but the former host is staying away from the public scene. He would also have moved.
Sven Pichal will appear in court a free man. He spent three months in pre-trial detention after his arrest, then had an electronic bracelet fitted for a period, but was released on conditions a year ago.
During the introductory hearing, his lawyers sought to have the trial held behind closed doors, but the court refused their request.
Sven Pichal is known to be very uncomfortable with the extensive media coverage of his trial. Heidi De Pauw, the former director of Child Focus, told The Newspaper that Pichal had written him a letter, mainly to “complain about the leaks to the press”.
Today, three parties are delivering their closing arguments: lawyer Kris Lucykx, who represents Child Focus, the public prosecutor, who represents the company, and lawyers Walter Damen and Davina Simons, who are defending Pichal. The case will then be deliberated by the court, which should deliver its judgment in a few weeks.
