GELEEN/MAASTRICHT - The main suspect Stephan P. (32) of the manslaughter of Fer Loontjens, on Carnival Sunday in the Geleen café 't Vlaegelke, confessed yesterday before the court in Maastricht that he had a share in the assault with fatal results. The incident, which led to a massively attended silent march, has had a great impact on society in Geleen.Suspects Rick D. (22) and Gennaro S. (33) also confessed yesterday to having been involved in the cause of the brawl. Stephan P. stated that indeed, as several witnesses testified, he grabbed a bar stool and used it to make a bumping motion toward the victim who was lying on the ground at the time. "But I did not hit him," P. stated yesterday during the hearing before the Maastricht District Court. "I did, however, give him one more kick. But because I saw he could not or would not defend himself anymore, I restrained myself. After that I walked out immediately."
Seven men from the municipality of Sittard-Geleen are currently on trial on suspicion of involvement in the death of 47-year-old Fer Loontjens. The Gelener was so beaten up on Carnival Sunday in café 't Vaelke in his hometown that he died thirteen days later.
The later victim was standing behind one of the slot machines in the café that Carnival Sunday. Next to him, 26-year-old Anthony P. was gambling. Fer Loontjens allegedly hit P.'s locker twice, whereupon it was made clear to him by Gennaro S. that he had better leave. Thereupon the man did indeed go outside, but returned inside a short time later to seek redress. He then allegedly kicked Gennaro S., upon which S. allegedly punched and the brawl broke out.
Rick D. acknowledged yesterday that he punched and kicked the Gelener at least several times. Fer Loontjes was found motionless in the café shortly after ten o'clock. Barry H (26), Anothony P., Douglas C. (42) and Paul S. (22) deny any involvement in the assault. All suspects wish to testify only about their own part. They say nothing at all about what they may have seen others do.
The hearing of the case continues on Oct. 28 with the prosecutor's indictment.
