Up to 27 years in prison for camping murder

On December 6, 2017, the Oostende native was cut in his throat by Deltrude at a campsite in Middelkerke. The prosecution had ordered life imprisonment for Deltrude and Butera.

The three accused confessed to hiding a body. Deltrude’s defense alone did not dispute the murder. Because of the blows he dealt, Julien Butera was only an accomplice to manslaughter, according to his lawyer. Finally, Verburgh’s lawyers argued that their client should be convicted of negligence. Subordinately, a reclassification to intentional assault and battery resulting in death was also proposed. However, all of the defense’s arguments were brushed aside by the jury, who found all three guilty of murder.

In the judgment on the sentencing, the horror of the facts was initially reiterated. According to the court and the jury, the accused gave their victim no chance. “The body of Mihael Parrent was demolished with exceptional brutality,” said chairman Bart Meganck. “They must have seen with every blow or stab that he was in pain and in danger. After the fatal aggression, they initially left the body bleeding empty.” It was also said to be poignant that the victim’s body was severely dehumanized.

Aggressive and violent disposition

The parasitic lifestyle and criminal record of the accused were against the court and jury, according to the court and jury. “Julien Butera and Romuald Verburgh have repeatedly shown an aggressive and violent attitude.” On the other hand, many elements were also cited in favor of the accused, such as the unfavorable living conditions that determined their course of life. They all lacked stable nest warmth. “Living in marginality is not in itself a mitigating circumstance, but it does partly explain the brutality and rawness of the world they moved in.”

Alain Deltrude took into account the fact that he had never been convicted of assault before. His exemplary behavior in prison also shows his ability to work. According to the court psychiatrists, he does not actually pose a danger to society. The defense had suggested 25 years, but it ended up being 27 years in prison.

Julien Butera was also sentenced to life imprisonment, but the court and jury also sentenced him to 27 years. “Julien Butera ultimately showed a certain honesty in his own way. He also expressed his regret about the facts in his own way.” The judgment also noted that Butera is still supported by his stepfather. On the other hand, the psychiatrists did identify some antisocial characteristics in him. However, it was not considered necessary to make a provision to the sentencing court.

Finally, Romuald Verburgh was ordered to be incarcerated for 22 years, but was sentenced to 23 years. The court and jury noted that he has largely adhered to his terms since his release. Verburgh also wants to further develop his stable relationship and become a worthy father to his children. Chairman Bart Meganck also called it plausible that the accused had left his alcohol abuse behind. In addition, he now has a safety net, thanks to the support of his father and stepmother.

One more chance

The reasoning also took into account the fact that the reasonable period was exceeded. After the tactical investigation, it was still almost two years waiting for the reports from the court psychiatrists. “This also caused a delay in the morality investigation. That standstill is not due to the behavior of the accused or the complexity of the case.”

As usual, the chairman briefly addressed the accused. “The horror of the facts will continue to haunt the relatives. I hope that the relatives will eventually only feel the lack and that the horror will fade. You can safely keep the accused awake a little longer.” It was also indicated that the sentences may now sound heavy, but that the court and the jury deliberately wanted to give them another chance. “With your behavior it should be possible to convince the sentencing court at a much later stage that you can regain a place in society.”