Two Sittard men have been convicted of planning a murder. They did so through EncroChat, an encrypted messaging service. The judge imposed years of prison sentences on the duo on Wednesday. Wesley N. (28) received a prison sentence of 3.5 years and Ramon S. (37) must serve two years in prison.

More leniently punished

The sentences fall many times lower than the prosecutor had demanded. In her view, Wesley, as the principal, should have received eight years in prison. Ramon, who would arrange a weapon and a hitman for Wesley, should, in the justice department's view, have spent five years behind bars. The judge ruled otherwise. That means both men will be released relatively soon.