“We will almost certainly appeal against the verdict.” This is what Ghent criminal lawyer Walter Van Steenbrugge said in the interpretation program just after the verdict To the point. Nathan Vandergunst, better known as Acid, was sentenced a month ago to a suspended prison sentence of three months, a fine of 800 euros and provisional compensation of 20,000 euros. “My lawyer says I should appeal because the sentence is simply ridiculous. But my head says: it’s ‘done’, we’ve proven our point,” Acid himself said about this in a video. “I will carry that prison sentence on my criminal record as a constant reminder of what happened here. And I will do that with pride.” It was clear that lawyer and client were not on the same page.
Just after the ruling in February, Acid also posted a video on his channel — © ACID2
Video
READ ALSO: Acid sentenced to three months in prison with suspension and 800 euros fine, YouTuber reacts excitedly: “Money always wins”
But the decision has now been made. There was time to file an appeal until 4 p.m. today. After that the opportunity was lost. At 3:45 PM a video followed in which Acid itself announced that it would not appeal. Nathan Vandergunst was convicted because, according to the Bruges criminal court, he was guilty of harassing the parents of Reuzegommer Elio. That is the former president of Reuzegom who was not prosecuted for the death of Sanda Dia (20), but as an administrator he took the initiative to remove former members who were not involved in the baptism from the WhatsApp group shortly after the disastrous baptism. Quarrel Gum”. His parents were “exposed” after an Acid video and had to close their restaurant for a few weeks.
READ ALSO: Lawyer and Acid not on the same page: “He wants to appeal, but I think we have already made our point”
The restaurant with a Michelin star and three Gault & Millau chef’s hats received fake online reservations in no time. The otherwise positive comments on Google Review made way for rubbish. An anthology: “Fish oil was too much, I couldn’t rinse it away because water was too expensive.” Or: “Costs more than killing a person.” And also: “I found a blended mouse in my food.”
By not appealing, the curtain falls on the much-discussed process. “I am not a criminal, I have done nothing wrong,” the video maker says firmly. “Public opinion was always more important to me than anything fucking people in their suits say I did wrong. And we won that.”
“Acid no longer wishes to have anything to do with a judicial process that he calls a roulette,” adds his lawyer Walter Van Steenbrugge. “He remains fully committed to the content of his video and his defense. The conversation he had with Sanda Dia’s father strengthened him in this. Acid now wishes to concentrate further on making videos and will continue to sue what should be sued.”
Crowdfunding
Immediately after the conviction, there was massive public outrage and crowdfunding was started to help Acid pay his fine. The crowdfunding counter currently stands at 175,450 euros. “Crowdfunding will stop tonight,” Acid reports. He will use the money to pay his compensation and the rest will go to Sanda Dia’s parents.
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