A 60-year-old man from Den Bosch was acquitted by the court on Monday of digital grooming and sending sexual photos to an underage boy. According to the court, there is insufficient evidence that the man deliberately contacted a boy under the age of 16 to have sex with him.
The man had daily contact with the boy via WhatsApp in June and July 2023. In the messages, the boy indicated that he was 16 years old and would soon turn 17, but in reality he was only 15 years old. When the boy indicated that he had turned 17, the man proposed a sex date.
In addition, the man sent the boy several photos showing his genitals via WhatsApp.
No evidence
The court says that it has not been proven that the man knew or should have suspected that it was a minor under the age of 16. That is why an acquittal follows, both for digital child grooming and for sending the sexual photos.
The court does acknowledge that the man’s behavior can be seen as socially unethical, especially given the large age difference. “But we must judge on the basis of the indictment and the legal rules,” the court said.
Community service demanded
The public prosecutor found that grooming could be proven. He demanded 120 hours of community service and a suspended prison sentence of two months. An acquittal was requested for sending the sex photos.
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