Dennis Black Magic is appealing against his conviction for sexually assaulting eight women

Former porn producer Dennis ‘Black Magic’ Burkas (49) has appealed against his seven-year prison sentence.

The criminal court of Tongeren convicted Burkas last week of rape, indecent assault of eight women, harassment, incitement to prostitution and possession of child pornography material. In addition to the prison sentence, he was also sentenced to pay a fine of 4,000 euros and to be disqualified from driving for a period of ten years.

According to the court, Burkas showed a blatant lack of respect for the physical, psychological and sexual integrity of the eight models involved who fell victim to him. He promised them a career in the porn industry, but also threatened and harassed them. The verdict stated that he clearly saw the various women only as sexual objects of desire and as instruments. After all, the women had to prove themselves sexually by sharing a bed with him. The judges also found that he had no respect for women in general and that he had learned nothing from his previous convictions.

After his conviction, Burkas was arrested at his home on Thursday evening and taken to prison.

His lawyer, Mounir Souidi, has now appealed against the judgment of the Tongeren court. For the time being, Burkas remains in his cell. The council chamber will decide later this week whether the man will be released pending the hearing of the case by the Antwerp Court of Appeal.