The brothers were formally charged with abusing their 10-year-old sister between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011, and their other sibling (3) between August 1, 2011, and February 13, 2012.

 

Younger brother G.A.V. was acquitted of all charges, with Judge Tamara Tijhuis ordering his immediate release.

The Judge said that there were indications that his elder brother had committed lewd acts with both sisters, but added there was insufficient evidence that he had had sexual intercourse with them.

 

The Court found it proven that J.B.V. had committed lewd acts with his 10-year-old sister between August 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. For this crime he was sentenced to 15 months, three of which were suspended, on three years' probation. The Judge also ordered guidance by Foundation Judicial Institutes Windward Islands (SJIB), which may include (intensive ambulant) treatment by Mental Health Foundation.

 

Seeing that J.B.V. had already spent his time in pre-trial detention, the Judge also ordered his release as of Friday.

Psychologists and psychiatrists had only found limited indications of lesser accountability with J.B.V., but cited limited social-emotional and sexual development, which according to the judge, warranted a partially suspended prison sentence.

 

Prosecutor Georges van den Eshof had accused both brothers of committing lewd acts, and having sexual intercourse with their sisters. The Prosecutor had asked for a prison sentence of 40 months, 12 of which were to be suspended, on three years' probation, and guidance by a probation officer for G.A.V., and for 36 months, 12 of which were to be suspended, with three years' probation and guidance by a probation officer, for J.B.V., during Wednesday's hearing of these cases.

 

The Prosecutor also had his difficulties with this case, calling it "very complicated" and difficult to "scrape" the evidence together. The defendant's lawyer had pleaded not-guilty.

 

The trial of mother J.P.V. (38), who is accused of aiding and abetting in the alleged sexual crimes, is scheduled for June 26.

 

(The Daily Herald)