Harsh penalties for young criminals

27 February 2007

BRUSSELS – A court in Antwerp convicted seven young adults between the ages of 18 and 21 of a long series of violent robberies, car jackings, muggings, and break-ins throughout the country today.

The heaviest sentence was imposed on a young man of Portuguese descent. The court regarded Peri D.C. as the leader of the gang and sentenced him to 10 years in prison. His friend Sergio V.S. was given 8 years.

Four other members of the gang were given sentences ranging from 1 to 5 years. The seventh defendant was given a suspended sentence of 6 months and must pay a fine of EUR 550.

The young men did not shy away from using physical violence. Since some of the gang members had prior convictions, the court felt a harsh sentence was necessary to put an end to the group’s activities.

Subject: Belgian news