A former nursery school teacher in East Flanders is facing the prospect of a 20-year prison sentence for the rape of multiple children, in what prosecutors describe as one of Belgium’s most serious cases of child sexual abuse.
The accused, identified as T.D.W., is alleged to have raped at least 16 boys aged between two and a half and five years old. At the time of the abuse, he worked as a special needs teacher at De Springplank primary and nursery school in Onkerzele, East Flanders.
His trial began on Friday before the Oudenaarde Criminal Court and was held behind closed doors at the request of the civil parties. The Public Prosecutor is demanding the maximum penalty of 20 years, with 15 years to be set by the criminal court, alongside a professional ban and restraining orders.
The charges include rape with aggravating circumstances, as the accused held authority over the victims and the children were all under the age of ten. In addition, he faces prosecution for the possession and distribution of images depicting sexual abuse of minors.
According to prosecutors, the accused has shown little remorse for his actions, with representatives of the victims expressing frustration.
Lisa-Marie Parmentier, lawyer for several families, said she had hoped the accused would take full responsibility. “In my opinion, this is one of the most serious sexual offences in Belgium,” she stated before the hearing.
The atmosphere in court was tense and emotional, with several parents forced to leave the courtroom during parts of the hearing due to the distressing nature of the testimony.
The case first came to light last year when the American FBI intercepted a video showing a young boy being abused. After passing the evidence to Europol, investigators identified the location as a classroom in De Springplank school. The suspect was arrested on 2 February last year and has remained in custody since.
In total, more than 30 civil parties have joined the case, including parents of the victims, the school, the Belgian organisation Child Focus, and even the suspect’s ex-partner.
The prosecution’s demand reflects the severity of the crimes, combining prison time with strict bans aimed at preventing any future contact with children. The verdict in this case, which has shocked Belgium and raised serious questions about child protection measures, is expected to be announced on Friday 3 October.
