25-year-old Armin A., suspected of assaulting a woman and dealing soft drugs, will not be released.
This was determined by the court in Maastricht. A. requested through his lawyer to wait for the criminal case at home, but the judge did not go along with that on Wednesday.
Waiting
"Next week marks exactly one year of my client's pre-trial detention. Every defendant has the right to await his case in freedom," attorney Serge Weening said Friday in court.
'Being with my mother'
The suspect indicated that he would like to be at home. "For me, it's just important that I can be with my mother," he said. The prosecutor did not go along with his and his lawyer's request. "I oppose that request. The length of the remand is partly due to Armin A. himself," the judge said. "The court does see that there is personal interest, that you would like to see your mother, but the court considers the risk of recidivism too high."
Recidivism risk
According to the prosecutor, Armin A. has been in pre-trial detention for so long because he previously made a statement that later turned out not to be true. In addition, he tried to influence witnesses with bills.
Vice case
Armin A. is perhaps best known for his role in the Valkenburg vice case. In 2015, he was convicted in the case for forcing then 16-year-old Kimberley to have paid sex with dozens of clients, in a Valkenburg hotel room.
Beaten and kicked
Meanwhile, Armin A. served his imposed sentence after the vice case, but then he went back into the wrong. Back in August 2018, he admitted in court to beating and kicking the Kerkrade woman. He also admitted to dealing in soft drugs for three months.
Personality Disorder
Several psychologists advised back in August that A. should receive tbs treatment. Research would show that he has a personality disorder. On March 28, A. is scheduled to go to the psychiatric Pieterbaan Center in Almere for examination.
The trial continues on April 10. Another pro forma hearing is scheduled then. In court, attorney Weening expressed frustration. He does not expect the substantive hearing to be scheduled until August or September.
