Man possesses and distributes child pornography: suspended sentence and ban on working with minors requested (Heist-op-den-Berg)

A twenty-year-old young man from Hallaar (Heist-op-den-Berg) had to appear in court for possessing and distributing child pornography. The Public Prosecution Service requested a suspended sentence of 18 months and a ban on working with minors.

An American center that combats child pornography and child abuse informed the Belgian police that a then 18-year-old man from Hallaar possessed and distributed nude photos of minors. “The investigation showed that he had chat conversations with like-minded people and that photos were requested and then forwarded to others,” the prosecutor said. “It is also extremely disturbing that the young man had already committed similar offenses during his minority and had received a warning for this.”

The prosecutor emphasized that a very illegal system is maintained by forwarding child pornography. He demanded an eighteen-month suspended prison sentence and also asked that the man be banned from working with minors.

“He was looking for his sexual identity at the time. He wanted to know who he actually was and came into contact with other people through a chat program. People who unfortunately had different intentions. My client is extremely ashamed of what he has done,” said lawyer Stefan Vanbesien. “In the meantime, he wants to be guided by a psychologist. That is also important so that he can move on with his life. That is why I am asking for a probation suspension.”

The verdict is delivered on December 5. tdk