For sexual cross-border behavior towards sixteen women in his practice in Klazienaveen, the 57-year-old former physiotherapist Bennie Z. from Emmer-Compascuum on appeal was demanded in prison. According to the prosecutor, Z. was guilty of fornication, assault and rape between 2016 to 2021.
The prison sentence is the same as the requirement submitted to the court in Assen in 2023. The Advocate General (AG is the public prosecutor on appeal) also asked for a professional ban of eleven years and a contact ban with the complainers of five years. In 2023, the public prosecutor demanded a five -year professional ban. “This is about serious facts towards sixteen women. This should not only be expressed in a hefty prison sentence,” the AG explained the increase.
The court in Assen imposed a prison sentence of 3.5 years in November 2023, of which six months are conditional. He received the punishment for the sexual abuse of thirteen women. The man is convinced of his innocence and appealed.
The Public Prosecution Service also appealed to challenge the acquittal of the three women. The AG sees sufficient direct and indirect evidence for a conviction of sexually exceeding behavior towards sixteen women.
Just the fact that according to the AG had a fixed working method, the former care provider had an important role. During the treatment he sent to satisfying his sexual needs, the prosecutor believes. He was surprised by the lower punishment imposed by the court in Assen, because the suspect has no criminal record.
“This does not fit with so many sexual crimes, committed for a long time,” he said. Z. weathered himself by saying that his treatments were aimed to achieve the best results. The AG.
The KNGF study, the professional association of and for physiotherapists, shows that treating naked patients is not common and unnecessary. The association called the treatment method of Z. debatable.
Z. was known as skilled and, according to the AG, abused this to overrun the women. Z.’s lawyer believes that the AG leans too heavily on the statements of the indirect witnesses. He argues not to use it or still hear these witnesses.
According to the lawyer, the evidence (sufficient evidence that is necessary for a conviction) is under pressure. Insufficient for a conviction, says the counsel. In addition, the lawyer listed examples of satisfied clients who benefited from Z. According to him, the women are not forced to do anything. Most just came back for a follow -up treatment. According to the lawyer, the declarations must again be taken critically.