BRUSSELS – One of the jurors in the trial of suspected Belgian child murderer Marc Dutroux has been ordered to appear before magistrates on charges of assaulting a police officer, it was revealed on Wednesday.

But the man, who has not been named, will not have to answer the charges until after the Dutroux trail is over.

“Whatever happens, this man’s hearing will take place after the Dutroux trial,” Belgian state prosecutor Michele Mons del Roche said on Wednesday.

The prosecutor added that the juror would be presumed innocent until his case was judged, so could continue to take part in the Dutroux hearings.

The juror is accused of hitting a police officer after being involved in a road accident. Apparently the man struck the officer after being stopped and questioned about the incident.

The policeman was injured and had to take several weeks off work following the attack.

[Copyright Expatica News 2004]

Subject: Belgian news