Prison time for Almere bus robbers

On Wednesday the Lelystad court sentenced two en to prison for 3.5 and 2 years respectively. They were found guilty of robbing a Connexxion bus in Almere with a knife in June, ANP reports. Prime suspect 23-year-old Wesley W. was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. According to the court he threatened the bus driver and a passenger with a knife. He also has to serve 130 days of a conditional prison sentence for a previous offence. Other suspect 30-year-old Roy O. was sentenced to two years in prison, six months of which conditionally suspended. The suspects also have to pay compensation to their victims. The bus driver was awarded nearly 5 thousand euros in compensation. The passenger will get 500 euros and public transport company Connexxion will get 2 thousand euros. The Public Prosecutor demanded 3 years in prison, six months conditionally suspended, against W. and 2.5 years, six months conditionally suspended against O. Lawyer Ronald Zwiers reports that both defendants will appeal against the verdict. This robbery was the low point of a series of incidents, including vandalism and thrown stones, involving Connexxion buses in Almere. In April bus drivers decided to strike for more security on buses. At one point Connexxion suspended the bus services in Kruidenwijk completely. Connexxion is pleased with the verdict. "That is a good signal to the population, travelers on public transport and people who work in the public domain", a spokesperson said to ANP.