A Belgian court has refrained from sentencing a 24-year-old medical student found guilty of raping a fellow student, citing his youth and talent as reasons to avoid punishment.
The rape occurred in Leuven on November 8, 2023, after the victim reportedly became unaware of her surroundings while out at a bar with friends, vrt reported. It's unclear whether the woman was drugged, but she reportedly could not stand without assistance and stumbled as she walked.
The male student claims he was approached by the victim and offered to walk her to a shop, then they went to his home. He claims he asked repeatedly if she consented and that he was under the impression that she did.
"He claimed that he had protected the female student by taking her with him, but then engaged in sex acts with her," the prosecution said, requesting a 3-year sentence, arguing that she was in no condition to provide consent.
"It is undeniable that he crossed the line of what is permissible. The man showed a lack of respect for the victim's physical, psychological and sexual boundaries," the judge said. "However, he is still young...He is also a talented and committed person both in his professional and private life."
Despite acknowledging the crime, the judge decided against imposing a sentence, meaning the man will not face a criminal record, fine, or probation conditions. The court reasoned that punishing him could damage his career prospects in the medical field.
The ruling ensures that while he has been found guilty, he will face no immediate consequences unless he commits another rape—which the judge was confident would not happen.
"By finding him guilty but not punishing him, he will be made to feel guilty and the chance of him reoffending will be prevented, without socially impairing the man," the judge assured.
