AMSTERDAM — The 71-year-old disabled man who was arrested after he allegedly shot and killed a robber last December is being granted temporary release on medical grounds, the public prosecution said on Friday.

A court in The Hague ordered the car yard owner’s release from remand detention because he needs to be admitted to hospital for surgery, newspaper De Telegraaf reported.

The man, identified as Cees Gardien, of Leidschendam, allegedly fired at a group of armed robbers on 15 December. One of the robbers, a 24-year-old resident of The Hague, was hit and died a short time later.

Gardien is suffering from throat cancer and often uses a wheelchair. His lawyer had previously sought his release, but the judge rejected the request. Gardien must return to his cell in about one month’s time.

[Copyright Expatica News 2004]

Subject: Dutch news