A young Romanian man was sentenced by the district judge in Venserpolder, Amsterdam, to two months of unconditional imprisonment, after he was caught several times spending fake 50-euro notes in establishments in the city.
The incident was discovered after the man was caught with a fake note on him and surveillance footage showed him paying with fake money at several brasseries and cafes in Amsterdam.
In court, the young man refused to comment on the allegations and denied all incidents, although video evidence contradicted him.
“This has to stop. He can’t continue to commit crimes like this and get away with it. That’s not how things work in the Netherlands.”the judge sent him, according to trou.
The public prosecutor pointed out that the young man has a history of similar acts, having previously been convicted in February, March and April for spending fake money.
“The Lord Can’t Pretend He Knows Nothing,” said the prosecutor, pointing out that the refusal to admit the facts shows recalcitrant behavior.
The probation service added that the young man also displayed difficult behavior during community service.
“The gentleman repeatedly made strange, animal noises and spilled the mug of chocolate milk. He only cleaned it up after being personally approached by the community service worker.” the probation officer reported.
The lawyer of the young Romanian mentioned the difficulties he is having in finding a job, the lack of a certificate of good conduct (VOG) and the lack of knowledge of the Dutch language.
But the judge was firm: personal problems do not justify criminal recurrence.
