The public prosecution office has demanded a sentence of 28 years and compulsory detention in a psychiatric clinic for the abuse and murder of nine-year-old Gino in Geleen in 2022.

The accused, 24-year-old Donny M, spotted the boy as he was playing at a playground in Kerkrade, abducted him and took him to his flat in Geleen. He then sexually abused the boy, smothered him and dumped his body at a nearby location.

M was also convicted for the sexual abuse of a 17-year-old in 2019 and for disseminating child pornography.  According to the Pieter Baan Centre for the psychiatric assessment of criminals, M has a raft of mental problems and is a pedophile.

The trial against M, which started on Monday, was delayed for two years because M kept giving different versions of what happened, including his use of various drugs on the day.

The public prosecutor said M deliberately set out to abduct Gino. Images were shown in court of M’s car following Gino who was on his scooter. M gave the boy xtc and an erection pill and smothered him with a cushion after the abuse. He wrapped the body in bin bags and left it at a nearby burnt-out building.

Two of Gino’s sisters made impact statements at the trial, saying “his chances are up” and “I see you as a monster, not a human being”.

The family said they were happy with the demand, particularly the compulsory stay at the psychiatric clinic following the 28-year detention.

“The family wanted him to get life but the OM explained that this may lead to a pardon. This sentence means he will remain locked up for as long as possible,” a lawyer for the family told broadcaster NOS.

The trial concludes on Friday. Sentencing will take place at the end of November.