Last month, the public prosecutor demanded 37 months in prison, of which one year was effective and the rest was suspended, and an 8,000 euro fine.
Pichal was a respected radio producer at the public broadcaster, known, among other things, for the consumer program ‘De Inspecteur’ on Radio 2. He suddenly resigned at the end of August 2023. The reason sent a shockwave through the media landscape. Pichal turned out to have been arrested because he had exchanged images of child sexual abuse with several men.
The forty-year-old was in custody for more than four months and was then released conditionally. Last month, his case was heard in court amid massive press interest. Pichal hid his face from the cameras with sunglasses, a face mask and a hood. It was only when he stood before his judges that he took off his disguise.
(Read more below the photo)
Pichal at the start of his trial in November 2024
This time too, on December 16, 2024, Sven Pichal wore a long coat and a face mask.
Foster children in danger
Civil party Child Focus and the public prosecutor were strict with Pichal. According to the prosecutor, more than 160 photos and videos of naked minors were found on his iPhone and laptop. In some images they underwent or performed sexual acts. The estimated age of the victims was between 1 and 17 years. There was also heavy material in which very young children were raped. Some victims cried and resisted violently, others appeared drugged.
Child Focus’ lawyer added that Pichal had also endangered his two foster children by speaking about them to others involved, sharing photos of them and even giving out their mobile phone numbers. The public prosecutor demanded 37 months in prison, of which one year is effective and the remainder is suspended, on the condition that he receives intensive supervision in a residential institution.
READ ALSO. After months in secret, Sven Pichal must appear before a criminal judge: what does he risk? And how did the ball get rolling again?
Punishment with delay
Pichal’s lawyers did not dispute the facts. They argued for a fully deferred sentence, linked to conditions, such as continuing his (non-residential) therapy. According to them, Pichal is no longer the same man from sixteen months ago. He has acquired insights and tools to deal with his problems and has learned to ask for help. They asked the court not to send him back to prison.
Pichal himself also spoke. He read a text in which he admitted guilt. “I shouldn’t have made these mistakes, I should have faced them sooner and I should have sought help. I will accept my punishment, take responsibility and suffer the consequences. I am deeply ashamed for all victims of abuse.” He apologized to everyone and called on people who suffer from the same problems as him to seek help.
