Overview
- John van den B. and Daisy W. were convicted of the severe abuse and neglect of four foster children, with the court finding they acted in close concert and sharing culpability.
- Judges detailed that the then‑10‑year‑old was beaten, restrained to a bunk bed, locked in a cage fitted with an electric wire, and denied medical care, leaving permanent brain damage and likely lifelong support needs.
- The sentence fell below the prosecution’s demand of 11 years plus tbs because not all injuries could be conclusively attributed, and post‑release long‑term supervision will be arranged by probation services.
- Biological mothers called the outcome very disappointing, noting the lack of tbs and a contact ban, and they said they would support a possible prosecution appeal to be decided within two weeks.
- Families and advocates renewed calls for accountability of care organizations after the inspectorate reported serious failings and prosecutors earlier declined to pursue providers criminally.