Prosecutors demand tougher measures for public transport predator

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) is calling for strict conditions to be imposed on 25-year-old Angelo A., who has confessed to seven sexual assaults on women in Amsterdam's public transport system. Prosecutors say the measures are necessary to prevent A. from repeating his offenses. The court will announce its final decision on January 30.

Between May 2022 and June 2023, A. allegedly targeted women on the North-South metro line and other public transport routes. In each case, he would suddenly stand close to the victims and press his genitalia against them. The prosecution described the assaults as having a lasting, traumatic effect on the victims. One official stated, "The impact on the victims is permanent."

Four victims have filed for compensation, citing the emotional toll of the assaults. One woman, who was traveling for the first time with her newborn baby, said the attack disrupted her postnatal recovery. Other victims reported being too traumatized to use the metro, with one even burning the clothes she wore during the assault because she felt "dirty."

A. has admitted to the attacks, offering little explanation other than that it "gave him a good feeling." Although the investigation revealed additional incidents, only seven were included in the formal charges. A. faces accusations of multiple assaults, but not all of them were incorporated into the indictment.

One victim attended the trial, revealing how the attack had made her anxious and fearful of using public transport. Despite her trauma, she opted not to seek compensation from A., recognizing that he "is clearly not well and genuinely needs help."

Experts testified that A. has a significantly reduced level of accountability, functioning intellectually and emotionally at the level of a young child. They warned that the risk of him reoffending is high, which makes detention even more necessary.

The prosecution has requested a sentence of 292 days in jail, with 50 days suspended. If granted, the sentence would allow A. to avoid further jail time, as he has already spent more than seven months in pretrial detention.

Upon his release on Friday, he will be required to comply with several conditions, including wearing an electronic ankle bracelet and checking in with probation services.