Former Moroccan Equestrian Champion Sentenced to 6 Years for Child Sexual Abuse in Brussels

Naoufal Hassani, the professional rider of Moroccan origin, was caught up in this case that had taken place in the parents’ riding school, located in the Soignes forest, south of Brussels. In its indictment, the public prosecutor’s office had requested an 8-year prison sentence, demanding that the defendant be arrested on the spot, for fear that he might flee, reports 7sur7.be.

According to the same media, the court did not grant this request. It sentenced the defendant to six years in prison. As for his parents, who were prosecuted for failure to assist a person in danger, they were acquitted.

The story dates back to 2012 (between July 13, 2008 and January 1, 2012) when the victims, five young female riders, had reported having suffered sexual abuse from the defendant when they were alone with him in the stable or tack room of the riding school. In their testimonies, they admitted to being then led into the private part of the building, particularly in a room located above the snack bar, where the former horse dressage champion raped them.

For the court, the victims’ testimonies were credible, contrary to the pleadings of the defendant’s lawyer, Me Gilles Vanderbeck. The lawyer had pointed out weaknesses and inconsistencies in the testimonies, considering that the doubt should therefore benefit his client and that he should be acquitted. According to Me Gilles Vanderbeck, Naoufal Hassani was known to be a womanizer and had made unacceptable remarks and attitudes towards women, even inappropriate gestures. For his part, the rider has always denied the facts he was accused of.