A civil court in Belgium is weighing whether a local municipality bears legal responsibility for a schoolyard assault after a young girl was allegedly locked in a bathroom and injured with stones by another child. Following tense court arguments, the judge instructed all parties to maintain composure, warning them to avoid inappropriate remarks as the case centers on an alleged failure of school supervision.
The Municipality Targeted for Alleged Supervision Failures
The parents of the young girl expressed exhaustion and frustration over what they described as a lack of responsiveness during the past three years. According to lawyer Charlotte Demptinne, who represents the family, the incident involved a young boy who locked the victim in the school toilets and inflicted injuries using stones. Medical examinations conducted by a pediatrician and a forensic doctor confirmed the resulting physical damage, which required two weeks of gynecological medical care.
The core legal argument presented by the family’s attorney focuses on how children aged between three and five years old could be left unattended in the restroom area. Demptinne argued that this scenario created the conditions necessary for the assault to occur. Consequently, the legal challenge targets the supervisory personnel responsible for the school rather than the municipality itself in its capacity as the school’s organizing authority.
Did You Know? Medical documentation presented in the legal arguments confirmed that the young girl required two weeks of gynecological care following the incident in the school restroom.
Defense Arguments and the Call for Clinical Evidence
Representing the municipality, attorney Marc Uyttendaele adopted a measured approach in court, stating that the case requires a thorough clinical examination of the file. He questioned fundamental aspects of the evidence, noting that investigators would need to determine the origin of the stones involved. While acknowledging that a physical injury did occur based on medical reports, Uyttendaele argued that the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unproven.
Uyttendaele also noted that he had repeatedly lacked access to the criminal investigation file. A prior criminal procedure directed against the child suspected of the acts concluded with a decision of no further action before the family initiated civil proceedings against the municipality. He described the dossier as inspiring a profound sense of unease, suggesting that parents experiencing severe distress may react irrationally when searching for someone to hold accountable.
Judge evaluates supervision failure for upcoming verdict
The presiding judge must now determine whether the conclusions presented by the attorneys contain sufficient elements to prove a direct failure of supervision by the school staff. The verdict in the civil proceedings against the municipality is scheduled to be delivered in early November.
Questions and answers regarding the civil lawsuit and medical evidence
What is the legal basis of the civil lawsuit against the municipality?
The lawsuit alleges a failure of supervision by the school staff, known as the commettants, after a young girl was allegedly locked in a bathroom and injured by another child.
What medical evidence was presented regarding the young girl’s injuries?
A pediatrician and a forensic doctor examined the victim and confirmed the physical lesions, which required two weeks of gynecological medical care.
When is the court expected to issue its ruling?
The judge presiding over the case is scheduled to deliver the civil judgment at the beginning of November.