Antwerp Four Antwerp-fans have been sentenced to 4 years of effective imprisonment for the attack on Beerschot-buses in Bristol in August 2017. The four leaders Michael R., Ronny C., Stijn V. H. and Kenneth V. had 18 other rioters called them and briefed on how the buses. The attack was a retaliation for a fight a few days earlier, while Ronny C. by Beerschot supporters in the pub was addressed.
The public ministry had penalties up to 7 years in prison advanced. The court does not go so far. Three heads Michael R., Stijn V. H. and Ronny C. got 5 years in prison, of which 4 years effective and one year probation. They also have a fine of 5,600 euros to pay. Fourth head Kenneth V. get four years imprisonment of which 3 years to be effective. Also he will get a fine of 5,600 euros. The four heavyweights will be for five years deprived of their civil rights. The eighteen other rioters get sentences up to 30 months, usually with delay. That delay connects the court conditions.
Lawyer Pol Vandemeulebroucke finds that his client is Stijn V. H. to be heavily punished. “He gets four years, effectively because he had a few friends has called for the fight. Therefore, describe the court him as one of the leaders of the supportersaanval. While he himself never on the spot, has been in Mortsel or in supporterscafé was where the directives for the riots were given.”
The 18 rioters who have no managerial role, had usually a punishment with postponement. Lawyer Sam Vlaeminck that two suspects defended can live with that punishment. “My two clients got fifteen months and two years, complete with the deferral with deduction of custody. They should have a course agressiebeheersing follow.”
One of the rioters was, however, fifteen months to be effective. To the surprise of his attorney, John J. Mees. “My client may have a disability, not even a stone throw or kick butt. He was in Bristol because he had rode with a friend and would not otherwise thuisgeraken. As soon as the riots started there, he has hidden. Still, he gets an effective imprisonment. Incomprehensible.”
Comment of Beerschot
The victims of Beerschot were defended by lawyer Walter Damen. “I am pleased that at least the heads to heavy, effective prison sentences are sentenced. The court finds this senseless violence is very worrying. The throwing of fireworks in a bus with parents and children was a catastrophe.”
There were also two supporters of Beerschot persecuted they the Antwerp-rioters were chasing him. They get two months in prison with reprieve. The court finds that they are elicited by the Antwerp supporters.