The Criminal Court in the East Flemish town of Dendermonde has convicted a 26-year-old schoolteacher of the rape of 2 of his pupils. The man taught at a school in Puurs-Sint-Amands (Antwerp Province). He had sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl and later with another female pupil aged 15.
The case came to light after the parents of 1 of the girls went to the police. The girls gave evidence incriminating the teacher and he eventually confessed during questioning by an examining magistrate. After having been released on conditional bail, the teacher contacted one of the girls again. He sent her naked photographs and videos. The girl also sends intimate photographs to the man.
During the trial prosecutors requested a 7-year custodial sentence for rape and violating the sexual integrity of a minor under the age of 16. Belgian law stipulates that a child under the age of 16 cannot consent to sex.
The accused confessed to the offence but attempted to use his own relative youth as a mitigating circumstance. He no longer works as a teacher and has found a job in a supermarket.
The court sentenced the former teacher to 6 years’ imprisonment. He also has had his civil rights revoked, been banned from having contact with minors for 10 years and also be at the disposal of the court for the next 10 year.