A 55-year-old former physiotherapist from Emmer-Compascuum must appear in court today for assaulting sixteen women.
In two cases he can also be charged with rape, according to the Public Prosecution Service (OM). The court sets aside two days to hear this case.
The offenses are said to have been committed from September 2016 to October 2021 in the practice that the man had at the time in Klazienaveen. His practice has now closed down. The man is also no longer registered in the BIG register.
Most women reported touching their breasts and groin. More reports were received, but those women did not want to press charges. The suspect is ultimately prosecuted for sixteen charges.
The man in his fifties was released in February this year. He was allowed to continue awaiting his trial at home. The man denies having indecently touched the women. His treatment focused solely on physiotherapy, he says.
To substantiate this, at the request of the defense, another physiotherapist has been appointed as an expert in the case. He must make it clear to the court which actions are and are not normal during the treatment.
The suspect has been psychologically examined. At an earlier short introductory session it became clear that no disorders were found.
On the first day of the hearing, the man will be questioned by the judge about the facts for which he is being tried. Compensation is also being discussed. Tomorrow the Public Prosecution Service will come up with a sentence proposal and then the defense will have the floor.