The Liège Court of Appeal on Tuesday sentenced a 31-year-old man to 40 months in prison for kidnapping, trafficking, pimping and assaulting his vulnerable companion.
The couple, who were staying illegally in Belgium, lived off the prostitution of the woman.
The facts were discovered during a police check in a part of central Liège known for hosting prostitution of disadvantaged ladies or women in vulnerable situations.
One prostitute had no identity papers. The investigation revealed that her partner was taking advantage of her isolated situation to force her into prostitution. The man negotiated the rates directly with the clients and pocketed the money from the passes.
The investigations also showed that the lady had traces of beatings. A neighbour of their flat confirmed that she regularly heard shouting and arguments. The victim had suffered several injuries and fractures.
In court, the defendant denied the facts. Instead, he evoked attacks of jealousy from his companion and a fall down the stairs. The court failed to accept his version and sentenced him to 40 months in prison.
