Mariusz - 2 more years in youth detention 07/12/2007 00:00

Accomplice in the murder of Joe Van Holsbeeck, has been sentenced by the juvenile judge

7 December 2007 - Mariusz O., accomplice in the murder of Joe Van Holsbeeck, has been sentenced by the juvenile judge to stay in a closed youth institution until he is 20 years old.

The judge found Mariusz O., who just turned 18, guilty of aggravated theft leading to involuntary manslaughter on 12 April 2006. Joe Van Holsbeeck was stabbed in Brussels Central Train Station for putting up resistance to two minors of Polish origin who were trying to steal his MP3 player.

Mariusz O. was 16 at the time. It was decided then that he would be tried in a juvenile court. He will stay in the youth institution he has been in until he is 20.

Mariusz O. and his parents were also ordered to pay a substantial sum in damages to the family of the victim

Lawyers consider appeal

The lawyers of Mariusz O. are disappointed with the ruling and are considering an appeal because their client has been convicted of robbery with murder.

"We get the feeling that the youngster is being convicted for murder instead of someone else," say the lawyers.

The father of Joe's friend, who survived the incident, is doubtful because the two perpetrators have tried to give each other the blame.

Adam G. will appear in a jury court

Mariusz. O committed the crimes together with Adam G. who was older. Adam G., who was 17 at the time of the murder, will be tried before a jury court. Joe's murder sent a shock wave through our country

People reacted with horror and disbelief

People reacted with horror and disbelief and some 80,000 attended a silent march.

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