Roma ombudsman Adolf P. from Geleen gets six months in prison for running over his brother-in-law. Attempted manslaughter is not considered proven by the court.
On May 23 this year, 39-year-old Adolf P. from Geleen drove into his brother-in-law from the Czech Republic on the sidewalk of the Jos Klijnenlaan in his hometown. That was not attempted manslaughter, but attempted aggravated assault, the court in Maastricht ruled.
Lower than requirement
P. received a 12-month prison sentence, half of which was suspended. The nearly four months he has already spent on remand will be deducted. He also may not drive a motor vehicle for a year. Justice had demanded 18 months in prison for attempted manslaughter, six of which were on probation.
Roma Ombudsman
Adolf runs a foundation for needy Roma in the Netherlands. He arranges shelter, work and education for them. His Romafonds foundation receives subsidies from the state. He also helped his wife's brother get a job at McDonald's and a roof over his head. The Czech then demanded money as well, believing that Adolf has enough resources with his foundation, his lawyer Sjanneke de Crom explained.
Endangered
"Occasionally I am threatened because of my own goodness," Adolf declared in court two weeks ago. Adolf had had enough of the threats and wanted to scare the Czech, "but not hit him." Nevertheless, the man suffered severe bruises after being sideswiped by Adolf's Mercedes all-terrain vehicle.
Panic and helplessness
De Crom argues that her client acted out of panic and helplessness and drove far too calmly for a fatal collision. According to the court, the exact speed of the car cannot be determined and thus whether Adolf took into account that his brother-in-law would not survive the collision. "There is too little evidence for that," the court spokeswoman said.
In a pinch
Problem for Adolf becomes that he will not be allowed to drive for an extended period of time. This may hamper his work as an advocate for the Roma group, De Crom expects. The victim has since returned to the Czech Republic.
