“A balanced verdict,” Damen calls the ruling in the Pichal case. “On the one hand, the judge says that these are very serious facts, which we also acknowledge. “On the other hand, the judge says very clearly that many measures have already been taken. That there has been very good follow-up of the conditions, that there is intensive guidance and he or she does not see the need to send him back to prison.” Pichal’s defense is therefore satisfied and will acquiesce in the ruling, as was previously discussed. (Read more below the photo)
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Damen also briefly reacted to the urine that he and his client received when they arrived at the courthouse in Antwerp. “That is of course very petty and absolutely not appropriate,” said the lawyer. “But anyway, the court will do what is necessary. Because if we are going to tolerate this, that every time a certain case occurs and a certain ruling is made, that someone is ready to douse someone with urine or something else, that is unacceptable. This is justice and people must respect that.”
In line with expectations
Kris Luyckx, who acted as lawyer for civil party Child Focus, also thinks it was a “balanced verdict” that was in line with expectations. “I think it is especially important that this therapeutic treatment can be continued, very intensely,” he said. “And when it is necessary, when the therapists or probation committee say: ‘it must also be residential’, that option is also there. “A three-year prison sentence is a big stick behind the door to ensure that he adheres to his conditions,” said Luyckx.
The lawyer hopes that the media attention for this trial will ensure that there is more alertness to images of child sexual abuse. “This case is certainly no exception, such facts occur more often than anyone thinks and it remains a continuous battle for Child Focus, the police and the judiciary,” it continues. “This phenomenon must be severely punished. (Continue reading below the video)
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Nel Broothaerts, the CEO of Child Focus, is pleased that the court placed so much emphasis in its judgment on the fact that Sven Pichal must seek further help so that there are no more future victims. “And especially that if his outpatient therapy proves to be insufficient, a residential admission must follow,” Broothaerts said after the verdict. “It is positive that extra emphasis is being placed on this.”
She further found that the verdict was in line with expectations. “The Public Prosecution Service had effectively requested one year, but the court did not respond to this. It would have been a strong social signal, but Child Focus is not keen on putting people behind bars. It is more important that perpetrators work on themselves so that they do not create more victims in the future.” (Read more below the photo)
CEO of Child Focus Nel Broothaerts and lawyer Kris Luyckx felt that the verdict was in line with their expectations — © BELGIUM
Broothaerts wants to use the media attention for this case to make people aware of the scale of the phenomenon. “Many children fall victim to images of child sexual abuse. I hope that as a society we will open our eyes to this phenomenon and that we will work on it together. Justice is part of that, but we must also focus on prevention and a good legal framework that ensures that sharing such images is not as easy as it is today. We have to keep fighting and keep saying that this is not possible.”
READ ALSO. Sven Pichal receives a three-year prison sentence with suspension and fine: “He has shown insight into his guilt”
READ ALSO. Unknown man sprays Sven Pichal with urine upon arrival at the courthouse
READ ALSO. What conditions must Sven Pichal adhere to? What punishment was demanded? And how were other defendants punished?
