A 48-year-old man has been sentenced to 30 months in prison, of which ten months are suspended, for rape and arson. The facts took place in a residential care location in New Amsterdam and later in the prison where the man stayed.
According to the court, it has been established that the suspect forced a fellow resident of the care institution to have sex in August 2024. Violence was used. The judge blames the man heavily for having the victim, also a resident of the institution, taken to his room and raping her there. According to the court, the incident had a major impact on the victim and is described as shocking and humiliating. Drug use played a role in the incident.
In addition to the rape, the court considers it proven that the man was guilty of arson. In January last year he set fire to a mattress in his cell. The fire brigade happened to be present in the building at the time and was able to quickly extinguish the fire, preventing greater damage. The court takes into account that the suspect was confused during the arson, which means that this fact is held against him to a lesser extent.
The Public Prosecution Service had demanded a higher sentence: four years in prison, of which sixteen months were conditional. The court decides on a lower sentence, partly because of the personal circumstances of the suspect. A partially suspended sentence must provide space for treatment and guidance.
In addition, the man must pay compensation of a total of 8,250 euros.
