Medical student convicted of raping another student escapes sentence as “He is young and talented” - Belgium

[IwantToRetire]

“It is undeniable that he passed the line of what is permissible. The man showed a lack of respect for the victim's physical, psychological and sexual boundaries. However, he is still young and has no criminal record. He is also a talented and committed person both in his professional and private live. 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 conviction will not appear on the man’s criminal record. However, if he reoffends, he will be sentenced for this rape as well as for the new offence.

https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2025/04/01/medical-student-convicted-of-raping-another-student-escapes-sent/

I know this used to happen in the past, but thought no Judge would think it okay to do this now.

Although rumours of jurists using this as a reason not to find a man guilty of rape still seems to be current.

Ah, Belgian parents should tell their sons to study hard & pass exams.

it may be a literal ‘get out of jail free’ card.

In the second article link I posted earlier on in the thread it explained that if he is later convicted of a crime, then this one will (restrospectively) become a crime.

Just ridiculous.

I remember when if you applied to become a fireman/woman you were automatically refused if you had ANY criminal convictions. Not sure if that is a condition of application but I've always thought that standard should apply to the police and health services.