The Antwerp Criminal Court has sentenced 2 men to 8 years’ imprisonment after they were found guilty of having carried out a violent home invasion at the home of the former Belgian international goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff. A third suspect in the case was acquitted.
The home invasion at the Pfaffs' mansion in Brasschaat took place last summer. Jean-Marie Pfaff's wife Carmen was dragged over the floor and hit by the robbers. She and Jean-Marie Pfaff will receive damages amounting to around 200,000 euro.
In his summing up the judge described what had happened as “completely abhorrent”, adding that the accused were only out to make a quick buck and didn’t think about the consequences of their actions for their victims.
2 accused were given 8-year prison sentences. They were both convicted in their absence. They are 2 Croatian nationals and are members a gang believed to have been responsible for numerous thefts, burglaries and robberies in several European countries. The third suspect was acquitted as the judge said that there were doubts as to whether he was involved.
Carmen Pfaff assaulted
Speaking after the sentences had been passed, Jean-Marie Pfaff said "It is a stiff sentence, but that was needed. They need to realise that they can’t just do anything they want. Our hurt remains with the pain that Carmen still suffers”.
Carmen Pfaff was not present in court. According to her husband she still requires care for the physical and psychological wounds she suffered. When the home invasion took place Carmen Pfaff was still recovering from a brain haemorrhage.
Jean-Marie Pfaff was awarded 73,800 euro in damages. Carmen Pfaff was awarded 103.000 euro. However, with those that were convicted of the home invasion still on the run it is still not certain whether they will see any of their compensation money.