A bankruptcy with disastrous consequences: a former furniture-selling couple saw their business go under after 40 years and were left with sky-high debts. In a desperate attempt to survive financially, the 70-year-old man and his 67-year-old wife decided to set up a small-scale cannabis plantation.
The couple, from Lommel, who worked very hard for years to keep their furniture business running, faced a huge financial blow when their business went bankrupt. Debts piled up and despair grew. In an attempt to solve their problems, they started growing cannabis. This did not go unnoticed: in September 2022, a search of their home discovered a plantation with 246 harvest-ripe plants.
The woman immediately confessed guilt and led investigators to the hidden room. What makes it even more distressing is that the couple had previously stood trial for similar offences. Even before a verdict had been handed down in their first case, they had started growing again.
What began as a 'hardworking' entrepreneurial story ended in a legal drama with far-reaching consequences. Photo to illustrate.
Financial desperation as driving force
According to their lawyer Louisa Van Looy, the bankruptcy of their furniture business was the biggest setback in their lives. "They were completely grounded financially and saw no other way out," she said. During the trial, the women explained that the looming debts and additional court costs caused them to panic. "We were already in debt and then we heard what costs would be added through the process. We saw no other option."
The judge sternly pointed out that they went into default a second time, even while their first case was still being heard. "While you were in court, you were already doing it again. How can we trust you not to start a plantation again?" The man swore to the judge that it would never happen again. "I am trembling on my legs," he declared.
High sentences despite plea for leniency
The prosecutor was implacable, stating that the couple had deliberately chosen criminal activities to make quick money. "They were previously given community service sentences, but that did not stop them from committing the offence again. This calls for a stern signal."
The judge sentenced the man to 280 hours of community service and a fine of 8,000 euros. His wife was given an ankle bracelet for a year, also coupled with a fine. In addition, 15,000 euros of criminally obtained assets were forfeited from both of them, and they must pay 5,000 euros to grid operator Fluvius for the theft of electricity.
Source: AD