A 40-year-old judo trainer from Hoogeveen is suspected of abusing three underage judokas. The fornication with the three girls is said to have happened between 2015 and 2019 in Dedemsvaart and Slagharen, among others.
The trainer is a well-known name in the Overijssel and Drenthe judo world. He provided training at several associations for many years. He also gave regional training.
In addition, according to his own social media, he worked at the Slagharen Amusement & Holiday Park and as a supervisor at the Vanboeijen healthcare organization in Assen during the period of the abuse.
The Judo Dedemsvaart association reacted with shock to the news. “We know nothing about this at all,” says board member Miriam Bongers. “He has been a trainer here for years, but I hope that is not true. That would be really terrible.”
The Hoogevener was a trainer at Judo Dedemsvaart for a number of years, until he ‘suddenly’ left. “He had to quit because of his work. That was quite abrupt.”
The judo trainer was also involved at the judo association BSV Anbergen in Slagharen. As a substitute trainer, according to chairman Anton van den Berg. “But this has nothing to do with us. We don’t know anything.”
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) suspects the trainer of abusing the three girls in his role as judo trainer. He also allegedly asked for nude photos. The children sent it to him via Facebook. According to the Public Prosecution Service, he sent back photos of his genitals.
According to the Public Prosecution Service, the criminal offenses were committed in Dedemsvaart and Slagharen, but also in Fluitenberg, Ommen, Hoogeveen and Dwingeloo.
The judo trainer was supposed to appear in court for the first time today, but the case has been postponed because witnesses still need to be heard.
The next hearing will be at the end of this year.