Tongeren dealer (58) gives drugs to son with Down syndrome: 24 months in prison demanded

Down syndrome

The investigation started with a check on a known drug buyer. The man was stopped by the police. He stated that he had bought cannabis that day from the man in his fifties, who allegedly dealt drugs from his mother’s home. “Messages in the customer’s telephone showed that there was mutual communication about the purchase of drugs,” said the Tongeren prosecutor.

The investigators carried out a search of the Tongeren resident’s home. There they found 170 grams of speed and cannabis packed in small bags of 2 grams each. The man in his fifties said that the speed was purely for his own use. “But that is very unbelievable,” said the prosecutor. “He then gave the cannabis to his son while he suffered from Down syndrome. He wanted to keep him calm. I wonder about that.”

35 convictions

The prosecutor is demanding an effective prison sentence of 24 months and a fine of 8,000 euros for the man. “He has had 35 convictions since 1993, but he continues to deal and he does not understand the signals from the justice system. He has already been given many opportunities, so conditions are no longer an issue,” he said.

His counsel, master Jürgen Millen, insists on a prison sentence with conditions, so that his client can get help. The fifty-something himself said that he has now stopped using drugs. “But I do want to follow guidance if necessary,” he said. “I am disabled, so I take care of the maintenance of my house and garden. The rest I take care of my son and mother.”

Judgment will follow on March 3.