A man that was found guilty of running over and killing a 16-year-old boy in the East Flemish municipality of Temse in 2022 has had his prison sentence halved by the Court of Appeal. In September last year the man was sentenced to 9 years’ imprisonment and a life-long driving ban. The boy’s family are deeply disappointed with the Court of Appeal’s ruling. “Today the justice system has failed us”.
Man that ran over and killed a 16-year-old boy in East Flanders see his prison sentence halved by the Court of Appeal
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In the summer of 2022 Youri H ran over 16-year-old Francis Aerts. The teenager that was on his way home after having met up with friends died instantly. Youri H. was driving home from a party and tested positive for both cannabis and alcohol. He drove on from the accident scene without stopping.
In September he was sentenced to 9 years’ imprisonment and a life-long driving ban. The Magistrate that passed sentence on Youri H. Peter D’hondt described what the accused had done as being "gross, gruesome, crass and criminal”. Youri H. lodged an appeal against his sentence.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that half of Youri H.’s prison sentence should be suspended. He was also fined 32,000-euro, half of which is also suspended. This means that for the first 5 years after his release Youri H. will have to abide by strict conditions. He will have to undergo regular tests for alcohol and drugs and also seek help for his alcohol and drug issues. His driving ban has been reduced from life-long to 10 years.
Francis Aerts’ family is disappointed
Francis Aerts’ father has reacted to the Court of Appeal’s verdict with disappointment “I think that it is terrible. His prison sentence has been halved and he will probably only have to serve a third of that. If you count the time that he was on remand he will be back home by the summer”.
The Appeals’ Court justified its sentence by saying that Youri H. is making efforts to sort his life out.