First suspect sentenced to prison for youth group clashes in Noord-Holland

A Haarlem magistrate sentenced 20-year-old Dillian B. from Heemskerk to six months in prison on Thursday, with three months suspended on certain conditions. He was arrested earlier this month after clashes between rival youth groups from Heemskerk, Beverwijk, and Haarlem.

B. was the first of a total of eight suspects to appear in court. The sentence matches the prosecution’s recommendation. He stood trial for, among other charges, making a (threatening) post on social media and is also alleged to have had a weapon, a kind of homemade explosive, in his possession.

In mid-September, images circulated online showing an assault, AI-generated images of a school explosion, and threats of a shooting. As a precaution, several schools temporarily closed, and an emergency order was issued.

B. denied the threats. According to him, other people had access to his phone and may have posted the messages. “I am an open and honest person; everyone knows the code to my phone,” he said. He also denied that the account used to send the photos belonged to him.

The photo shows an explosive, a clown mask, and a burning joint. The homemade explosive was found at his home. B. claimed it was several years old and could no longer cause a large explosion. “Why would I want to blow up my own house and my dog, who was lying next to me?” The judge described the facts as serious. “Using this in a publicly accessible post as a threat has impact,” she said.

The man has a past involving police and judicial encounters and spent some time living on the streets. He also partly lived with his mother, who has addiction issues. During the hearing, he expressed a desire to turn his life around: “I want to stop hanging out with the wrong friends, quit smoking weed, and change my life. I’ve found a job and a relationship.” His lawyer urged for a suspended sentence, saying, “Putting him in prison for months won’t make society safer.” She did not indicate whether she plans to appeal.

Two other suspects are still in detention for their alleged involvement in the riots, facing charges of attempted manslaughter and robbery. A decision next week will determine if they stay in pre-trial custody. The other five suspects, released from custody, are suspected of possessing weapons or inciting violence.