The city of Helmond intends to revoke a youth award from a 25-year-old local man suspected of sexually abusing twenty children under the age of 12, including nineteen girls and one boy. The alleged abuse occurred between April 15, 2018, and September 18, 2023, at a school and various babysitting locations.
The suspect, a former teaching assistant, has reportedly confessed to much of the abuse. The youth award, given for notable contributions to the community, was awarded to him in 2017 for his volunteer work, including roles as a soccer coach and the chairman of a charity for sick children.
Mayor Sjoerd Potters expressed deep sympathy for those affected and emphasized the urgency of revoking the award, noting that a full legal conviction is not necessary due to the suspect’s partial confession.
Source: NOS