Insomnia, problems with concentration and reliving the intense event. Kyra is still experiencing the after-effects of a group assault that allegedly took place at the bus station of Hoorn at the end of 2020, for which three suspects had to answer to the court of Alkmaar today.
On November 23, 2020, things went wrong. While Kyra was waiting for her bus, a group of five boys closed in on her. She would have been hung over, asked if she had a boyfriend and money was waved. In addition, she was allegedly touched by three of them on her arm and upper leg, while the victim clearly indicated that she did not want this. All this happened while the guys were laughing and joking with each other. Several witnesses saw this.
In total, four suspects had to appear on Thursday on suspicion of group assault: 21-year-old Kiflom M. from Hoorn, 20-year-old Deleshom T. (Hoorn) and 25-year-old Hashe T., who lives in Leidschendam. A fourth suspect was still a minor at the time. His case was heard behind closed doors. The three heard a one-month suspended prison sentence demanded against them as well as community service: for Kiflom M. and Deleshom T. 80 hours, for Hashe T. 60 hours.
Happiness in life
The victim’s lawyer also claimed 5,000 euros in damages. “This still affects her happiness in life.” She was not present in court. “She finds that too intense. She even finds it difficult to have contact with me, because I am a reminder of that event.”
The then underage suspect has confessed to touching Kyra. He thought she was ‘a beautiful girl’ and wanted to seduce her. Deleshom T. also acknowledged that he had hit the victim. “But that was to calm her down.” A language barrier – the suspects were born in Eritrea – made communication difficult.
“She was locked in and had nowhere to go. She has been very, very frightened”
The prosecutor was clear in her judgment: “What happened here is a fear for many when you are out and about. It has left indelible marks and has changed the victim’s sense of security. She was locked in and unable to leave. up. She’s been very, very anxious.”
In addition, the trio was accused of not distancing themselves from the behavior of the rest of the group. “There was close cooperation and then it does not matter who exactly touched her and who did not.”
Failed seduction attempt
The defendants’ lawyers disagreed. “Here there can be no equal monks, equal hoods. My client did not touch her, but stood further on,” pleaded one. “It was a failed seduction attempt. There were no sexual intentions, but partly due to the language barrier, it ended very badly.”
The lawyers asked for an acquittal or a lesser sentence. Also because a prison sentence or community service can make it more difficult for the suspects to apply for Dutch citizenship. The judge will rule on February 16.
This is a message from the joint West Frisian news editors
More news from West Friesland?
? Stay informed via our Facebook group News from West Friesland. Comment, discuss and share your news
? Send us your tips via [email protected] or app us via 06-23405405
✏️ See a typo? Let us know at [email protected]