The perpetrators, aged 18 and 19, went on a crime spree in Antwerp in September and October, armed with knives.
The public prosecutor demanded that the two be given prison sentences of up to 26 months for each defendant, citing their disregard for the law and predatory behavior.
“This is a group of very young perpetrators who have lost all sense of standards,” the prosecutor said. “If they need a new mobile phone or cigarette, they just take it. They do not realize that this has major consequences for the victims.”
The two assaulted a pregnant woman, robbing her shop of 200 euros. They then attacked an employee at a mobile phone store, making off with two iPhones.
“The defendants also robbed cigarettes and crisps from a night shop in Otterstraat, and knocked a pizza courier to the ground to steal his pizzas,” HLN reported.
But despite this predatory behaviour, the two got off lightly. “On Monday the young men appeared before the correctional court, where they were given a strikingly mild sentence,” SCEPTR reported.
“The judge decided not to impose a prison sentence, but held it to a work sentence for the two robbers. In addition, they also have to pay moral compensation of 1 500 euros to the pregnant manager of the sweet store.”