The Antwerp Criminal Court has sentenced one of the suspects in the case that also involves the former radio presenter Sven Pichal, to 8 years’ imprisonment. Benoit D was found guilty of having raped two minors and of having distributed images of the sexual abuse of children. The trial judge described the offences as “very serious” and the sentence given was higher than what had been requested by the public prosecutor. Benoit D. will be taken straight to prison.
Suspect in Pichal case given 8 years after being convicted of raping two minors and distributing images of sexual abuse
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It was Benoit D. that set the ball rolling in the case that also involves the former VRT presenter Sven Pichal. After having been put under pressure to do so by a friend, Benoit D. went to the police last summer. He claimed that he had been sent images of child sex abuse from another suspect in the case, the actor, R.D.B.
However, the investigation revealed that initially Benoit D. had to a very large extent minimalized his own role. It transpired that he was in fact the central figure in the whole case. Police found footage of very extreme sexual abuse of young children and babies. The images were allegedly shared with the former VRT presenter Sven Pichal.
The Judge said that results of property searches, an examination of his mobile phone and confessions made during the investigation showed that there was no doubt as to Benoit D.’s guilt. Benoit D had abused the position of authority that he had over his victims. He had met the two boys, who were 14 and 16 at the time, during the production of a musical and convinced their parents to let them could stay with him. What followed was sexual abuse that went on for years. He also introduced one of his victims to alcohol and drugs, causing the boy to become a addict himself.
One of victims testified at the trial itself: "I still bear the scars. I hope one day I won't think about it anymore, that one day I can put it behind me", the victim said.
Benoit D. has been sentenced to 8 years’ imprisonment and fined 8,000 euro. That is more than the 7 years the prosecution had requested. The trial judge ruled that a lengthy prison sentence was "necessary to protect society". He must also undergo further treatment.
Once released Benoit D will be placed under the supervision of the court for a further 5 years and his civil rights will be suspended. He must also pay his victims compensation.