Bruges Man Faces Jail for Harassing Women

A 39-year-old man is facing a possible 14-month prison sentence after allegedly assaulting a woman and later harassing women and children at ’t Zand in Bruges.

The incidents took place on December 6, 2024, when a 26-year-old woman was walking through the center of Bruges and encountered the man.

According to the prosecution, the man approached the woman and began touching her. He also grabbed her in the genital area. The woman pushed him away and managed to escape.

The man then continued walking and began bothering other people at ’t Zand.

“Both women and children,” the prosecutor told the court. According to the prosecution, he ran his hands through children’s hair and grabbed women around the waist or buttocks.

Police eventually intervened and arrested the man for questioning.

During questioning, the man reportedly said that he was not responsible for his actions and that he could no longer function in society.

Earlier incident involving a woman on a bicycle

The investigation also found that the man had previously been involved in an incident on November 8, 2023.

On that occasion, he pulled a 48-year-old woman from her bicycle in Bruges. She suffered a deep wound to her chin after falling.

The man said he thought the woman was beautiful and was trying to impress her.

The victim later spoke in court about the lasting impact of the incident.

“I fear that he does not realize what he has caused,” she said. She also explained that she still finds it difficult to ride her bicycle alone around dusk or at night.

Prosecutors seek 14 months

The Public Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a 14-month prison sentence, potentially combined with probation conditions.

The man’s lawyer argued that alcohol and medication had played a role when the offenses were committed. However, the defense did not dispute the facts.

The court is expected to deliver its verdict on October 19.