A former schoolteacher and carer has been given a five-year suspended prison sentence for sexually abusing several underage boys. The 26-year-old man mainly targeted children had issues with their self-image or were struggling with a disorder. He found his victims both online and at the school where he worked in Vilvoorde (Flemish Brabant).
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Suspended sentence for teacher that sexually abused vulnerable youngsters at Vilvoorde school
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The case came to light in December 2021, when a father caught his 13-year-old son with the teacher in the bushes. Initially, the father thought the boy was exploring his sexuality with a peer, but it turned out that the teenager was with his teacher.
The Halle-Vilvoorde public prosecutor's office then opened an investigation. This revealed that over the years the man had abused several boys aged between 13 and 17. Some were pupils from the Vilvoorde school where he taught or children staying at the boarding school where he worked as an carer/monitor. Others were minors that he had contacted online. The 26-year-old accused exchanged nude photos with his victims and there were also meetings in person between he and his victims”.
At the trial, the prosecution demanded the accused be sentenced to 5 years in prison, 2 of which should be suspended. "The accused totally overstepped the mark. He unscrupulously abused his position in education and on top of this sought out victims who were not at ease with themselves or had a disorder. He targeted very vulnerable children and did not dwell on the impact his actions had on the boys."
Second chance
The defence broadly admitted the sexual abuse had taken place but asked the court to pass a suspended sentence subject to conditions. Barrister Eddy Cochez told the court that "My client has admitted his guilt. I do not see why he could not be given a second chance. The solution to this problem is therapy, not prison."
The court heeded Mr Cochez's calls and the former schoolteacher was given a 5-year suspended sentence and probation. The man must, however, pay damages to his victims and undergo thorough therapy.