Six convicted in extremely violent Noord-Holland robberies that left one dead

The District Court of Noord-Holland handed down convictions against six men who were involved in a series of extremely violent robberies in 2020 and 2021. One person was killed in the violence, and two others suffered life-threatening injuries due to the use of a gun.

The harshest sentence was nearly 30 years in prison, and the lowest sentence was closer to four years. The verdict and sentences were read by the court at the Schiphol judicial complex in Haarlemmermeer on Monday.

Seven of the robberies took place in Noord-Holland, and the other was in Dreumel, Gelderland. The most severe sentence was given to 31-year-old Glenn V. from Noord-Scharwoude. Prosecutors had called for a life sentence against him, but the court said that was "not appropriate" in his case. The court took into consideration that he was not out to kill people, and that he is still relatively young.

V., who has a long criminal record, received the maximum prison sentence allowable short of a life sentence. After his imprisonment, he will be placed under supervision due to the risk of recurrence. Just as the Public Prosecution Service did, the court holds him responsible for the violence committed with firearms.

According to the court, he shot 72-year-old Sjaak Groot during a robbery in Berkhou. He was also convicted of shooting two victims in the neck and chest during robberies in Avenhorn and Noord-Scharwoude.

His co-defendants include Rotterdam resident Ruviëni M., 39, who was handed a 27-year prison sentence. Deniz R., a 28-year-old from Obdam, was ordered to serve 25 years in prison. Mark V., 31 and from Opmeer, was handed 20 years in prison.

M. and R. were given sentences slightly lower than what prosecutors demanded, partly because the court did not believe the evidence they were involved in the shootings was strong enough. Mark V. had a permanent role as the crew's driver. The court spoke of a sustained and structured collaboration between the four men, who were also guilty of participation in a criminal organization.

The four, previously described by the Public Prosecution Service as a core group, were involved in almost all robberies. Two men who each participated in one home robbery, former Alkmaar resident Dut M. (30) and Martijn G. (28) from Heerhugowaard, received prison sentences of 6.5 years and three years and nine months respectively. The Public Prosecution Service had also demanded that M. spend time in mandatory psychiatric treatment at a TBS facility, but the court did not see justification in imposing the measure.

All suspects except M. were present at the verdict reading, in which the court paid separate attention to the enormous impact the robberies had. Many victims still suffer from physical and psychological complaints, and suffer from nightmares and flashbacks. Some have even moved away. With the exception of G., the men have denied or remained silent about involvement in the crimes.