Assassination of a Lord: Accused risk 20 to 30 years

The main accused, André Gyselbrecht, would receive a 30-year-term if the judge concurs with the Prosecution’s request, while co-accused Pierre Serry would be sent to jail for 26 years. Evert de Clercq, the go-between, risks 28 years, while the driver, Franciscus “Roy” Larmit could get 20 years.

Lord Stijn Saelens was murdered on 31 January 2012, in his castle at Wingene in Western Flanders.

A lower court had sentenced Gyselbrecht, Serry, de Clercq and Larmit to 27, 21, 27 and 15 years in prison respectively, but they appealed, and the case is being tried this week.

Dr. André Gyselbrecht is accused of organising the murder of his son-in-law, Stijn Saelens, while Serry served as the intermediary in planning the murder. The body of the victim was found two weeks later, close to a chalet belonging to Serry, in Maria-Aalter.

Evert de Clerq played a role in recruiting the killer, Antonius van Bommel – who has since died. The killer had been taken to Wingene Castle on the same day by his nephew, Franciscus Larmit, who has always denied knowing what his uncle planned to do to Wingene, but confessed to helping him bury the body.

The Prosecution maintains that Dr. Gyselbrecht “is lying and hiding the truth”.

On Thursday, the plaintiffs will take the stand.

Maria Novak
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