Five accused from Ireland and Great Britain were forced to respond in front of the Fjorn Criminal Court for a series of thefts of cranes and trailers. The Public Prosecution demanded, in absentia, an effective five-year prison term for the three main figures in the case.
The gang could be linked to a whole chain of similar robberies all over West Flanders. They were mainly active in the region of Veurne, Nieuwpoort and De Panne, but also struck in Loppem, Ruiselede, Roeselare and Wevelgem. Between September 30, 2016 and February 28, 2018, they committed a total of 12 offenses. Various types of cranes, excavators and trailers were caught during thefts. The stolen goods were resold via the canal.
Brothers Noel (54) and Damien M (55) are the two potential pivotal numbers in this field. Damien M., in particular, is no stranger to the court. In the UK, he was already faced with similar facts, but the man was also connected with an attack by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in the 1990s. However, the brothers and one of their wives, Karon H. (48) In the end, they were tried in absentia. The Public Prosecution demanded five years imprisonment for them.
Irish Patrick D. The 34-year-old came to the lamp in Sweden and was handed over. He admitted to being involved in three facts, but stressed that it was definitely not a major role. He still faces an effective 37-month prison sentence for his hand-and-shooting services. British truck driver Michael S. (48), who is at risk of 24 months in prison, says he was not aware that he was transporting stolen machines.
The judge will rule on January 5th.
(Belgian)
