This morning, a judge of the Court of Justice delivered the verdict in the criminal case brought by the Public Prosecutor’s Office against the man B. (44), who was accused of kidnapping, raping, and severely abusing his partner V.
The judge concluded that severe abuse could not be sufficiently proven and therefore did not follow the prosecutor’s demand of a seven-year prison sentence. The sentence was reduced to five years in prison.
PROSECUTOR DEMANDED 7 YEARS IN PRISON
On 9 January 2026, the case was heard, during which the prosecutor stated that B.’s addiction led to the events that occurred on 10 August 2025. B. wanted to have sexual intercourse, but V. refused. On that same day, B. went to V.’s workplace, grabbed her, assaulted her, and forced her into his car.
At B.’s home, V. was raped and abused. The prosecutor argued that the abuse was severe, which was clearly shown by photographs. V. had to remain hospitalized for five days due to a cerebral hemorrhage. B. struck V. several times with force to her face. According to the prosecutor, B. violated V.’s physical integrity, leaving her traumatized and currently awaiting psychological treatment. Their children were also affected.
Regarding sentencing, the prosecutor took into account that this was B.’s first encounter with the justice system and demanded a prison sentence of seven years, minus time already served. The prosecutor also considered V.’s request that B. receive treatment, which could be addressed during a future conditional release.
With regard to the compensation claim of 15,000 Aruban florins, the prosecutor stated that V. still requires treatment and requested the court to approve the claim and impose a payment order. Additionally, the prosecutor demanded that B. pay 300 florins for V.’s mobile phone, which he destroyed.
THE JUDGE’S VERDICT
The judge ruled that B. was not guilty of severe abuse. Based on photographs and medical reports, the judge determined that the abuse did not meet the legal threshold for severe abuse and therefore acquitted B. of that charge.
The judge rejected the defense’s argument that B. should be acquitted of rape and kidnapping. The court found it legally proven that B. raped V. The judge stated that V.’s testimony and witness statements clearly demonstrated rape, kidnapping, and abuse.
The judge did, however, find proven the charge of attempted severe abuse.
The judge also rejected the defense’s claim that B. acted in self-defense against an attack by V. The court concluded that B. was the aggressor and that V. had to defend herself.
SENTENCE REDUCED
The judge emphasized that these are serious crimes. In determining the sentence, the judge considered that this was B.’s first conviction and followed sentencing guidelines established by the Court of Appeal for similar cases.
Because severe abuse was not legally proven, the judge did not follow the prosecutor’s demand of seven years and reduced the sentence.
- was sentenced to five years in prison, minus time already served at KIA. The judge also ordered B. to pay 300 florins for the damaged mobile phone and 15,000 florins in material damages. In total, B. must pay V. 15,300 florins.
A payment order was imposed, meaning B. must pay the amount through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will ensure that V. receives the compensation.