The Antwerp Correctional Court has sentenced former radio host Sven Pichal to three years of probation with a suspended sentence and fined him €8,000, half of which is suspended. He will not have to return to prison.
Pichal was prosecuted for possessing and distributing images of sexual violence against minors. He resigned at the end of August 2023 following his arrest for exchanging such images with several men.
The 40-year-old spent four months in pre-trial detention before being released under certain conditions. According to the prosecutor, more than 160 photos and videos were found on a smartphone and a computer.
The association Child Focus, which joined the case as a civil party, highlighted that Pichal endangered two children in his care by sharing their photos and passing on their phone numbers to third parties.
Sven Pichal ‘s defence did not contest the facts. It argued for a full suspended sentence, with conditions attached, arguing that he had acquired the tools to deal with his problems.
The prosecution had requested a prison sentence of 37 months, one of which would be suspended and the remainder suspended on probation, as well as a fine of €8,000.
The court found the charges to be very serious, describing "a total lack of respect for the suffering that lies behind the images of sexual abuse of these very young children". By possessing and distributing such images, Pichal "is contributing to the perpetuation of these unacceptable practices."
Sven Pichal is currently undergoing various therapies, and the court ruled that continued treatment was necessary.
The former radio host will have to comply with a number of conditions following his conviction, including not consuming alcohol or drugs, and undergoing monthly tests. He is also prohibited from working with minors, contacting them or going to places particularly frequented by minors without adults present.
