A devastating fire in his garage turned the life of Manolito Molemans upside down last June. The arsonist is temporarily released to sell his house, the judge determined this week. “Very harsh,” says Manolito.
“I have been in this huge mess for three months. And then the perpetrator is released.” It gives the 56-year-old Manolito a crazy feeling. “I did not expect this. In the Netherlands everything is possible,” he concludes.
“It is also very double,” he says. “He also needs the chance to do what he has to do,” says Manolito about the suspect. He also emphasizes that he absolutely does not want to be confronted with the arsonist. He also warned his son: If he sees the suspect, the boy may not open the door for him.
Drunk
Suspect Ton van D. has been detained since 9 June this year. According to the judiciary, he founded a fire at the neighbors earlier that day. That happened on the corner of the Le Sage ten Broekstraat and the Alberdinck Thijmstraat in Valkenswaard. There is nothing left of the garage, carport and Mercedes from Manolito.
Why is he released?
The victims have claimed compensation of 85,000 euros. According to the suspect, he can only be raised if he can sell his house. From his cell, sales are difficult and he does not want to burden his 18-year-old son. So the judge goes along with this. The man will be released next Monday and must report again on 13 October. He must also adhere to strict conditions. He would not live at home: a friend in Valkenswaard offers him shelter
Nobody was injured in the fire. Manolito and his 12-year-old son had to flee their house. “I still tried to extinguish, but it was too hot. I had to force the door to save my dogs and rabbit. I will never forget. I am very sorry what happened.”
Manolito and his son still have a lot of problems with the fire. They have had help from Victim Support. “You have to continue. I have to give it a place. My son too.”
Black -eyed
Building gates with black cloths shield the garden of Manolito and tt tiles are still blackened. “It just doesn’t make progress. It is still a whole tug of war with the insurance,” he sighs.
Local residents are also surprised by the news. “That is very strange! You can just sell your house online, wasn’t that possible in coronation time?” They sigh. A very elderly woman thinks differently: “I have no problems with this. He had no harm in the sense. There was just something wrong with him.”
The case will be dealt with in terms of content at the end of November. The suspect could hardly believe his release. He responded in court: “Thank you, this is a suit of my heart.”
