Former radio host given suspended three-year prison term

Former radio presenter Sven Pichal has been sentenced to a three-year suspended prison term for possession and distribution of child abuse material. Upon his arrival at the courthouse, a man threw a bag of urine at him.

The case dates back to August 2023, when Pichal was arrested for distributing explicit material. Drugs were also found in his locker at Flemish public broadcaster VRT. He spent three months in pre-trial detention and later wore an ankle monitor before being released under strict conditions. 

During his trial, Pichal pleaded guilty and admitted to exchanging explicit material in online chats, where he also fantasised about sexual abuse, including references to his foster children.

The court highlighted the severity of the crimes, stating that by distributing such material, Pichal contributed to the perpetuation of child abuse. It noted that his deviant sexual behaviour was exacerbated by drug use. As part of his sentence, Pichal must undergo therapy.

This ruling aligns with other sentences handed down in related cases. Pichal exchanged images in chat conversations and fantasised about sexual abuse with others there. 

Pichal has presented numerous radio programmes for VRT over the last 20 years, including the popular Radio 1 show Peeters & Pichal, with Annemie Peeters, from 2007 to 2012. The court case has rocked Belgium's media landscape and stirred public outrage. 

^{#FlandersNewsService | Sven Pichal is doused with urine upon his arrival at the Antwerp correctional court © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}