Assizes: People’s jury drawn lots on parricide trial
The Kortrijkzaan must answer for the parricide of his father Frans Debaillie (90). The victim was beaten to death in his castle in Kortrijk in early April 2020.
The lifeless body of the retired doctor was found on April 5, 2020 at 2:25 a.m. on the steps of his castle in Hoog Mosscher. His resident son Tom had notified emergency services, but claimed he did not know what had happened to his father. Investigators quickly discovered that there was also a lot of blood in the house. In addition, several witnesses stated that the former world bodybuilding champion did not take good care of his father. ‘Tom Spier’ also has an extensive criminal record for assault.
Banal conflict
The autopsy showed that Frans Debaillie had died from hard blows and kicks to his body and head. However, despite his partner’s incriminating statement, Tom D. continued to deny his involvement. Only after more than five months did the accused admit that he punched his elderly father during a banal conflict. However, he says he cannot remember what he did after that.
During the assize process, the accused will be defended by master Kris Vincke. Masters Luc Arnou, Jan Leysen, Sarah Leysen and Anke Platteau filed a civil suit for the surviving relatives of Frans Debaillie. Francis Clarysse, advocate general at the Ghent public prosecutor’s office, takes on the role of public prosecutor.
Lifetime
The trial will really start on Friday morning 5 May. Then Attorney General Francis Clarysse will read his bill of indictment. After that, the accused will be extensively interrogated by chairman Antoon Boyen. From Monday 8 May to Wednesday 10 May, no fewer than 56 witnesses will be heard. The verdict is expected on Thursday 11 May at the earliest. For parricide, Tom D. risks life imprisonment.