Furious at drinking buddy in shelter, assault with fatal outcome

The 57-year-old Bernard V. was convicted of killing 61-year-old Jan van de Bos, a fellow resident of De Veste, an HVO-Querido shelter facility on Poeldijkstraat in Amsterdam-Nieuw-West. The incident happened during the night of 30 April to 1 May 2020. Bernard V., Jan van de Bos and a third resident were drinking beer together that night when an argument broke out. According to the witness, Bernard V. grabbed the victim, threw him into an armchair and punched him hard in the face. He also allegedly kicked him and continued doing so while Jan van de Bos was already lying unconscious on the floor. The victim was found unconscious shortly after midnight and taken to hospital in critical condition, where he died later that day from his injuries. Reports stated that Jan van de Bos had severe brain injury, broken ribs and a broken jaw. Bernard V. told the court that he could not remember the fatal argument and that he had been under the influence of alcohol. He said he drank strong beer every day and had lost himself in alcohol. Experts concluded that Bernard V. had diminished responsibility, partly because of a personality disorder, impaired mental development and a serious alcohol problem. The Public Prosecution Service demanded five years in prison and conditional TBS for manslaughter. The court ultimately sentenced Bernard V. to four years in prison and conditional TBS. Later answers from Amsterdam’s city government stated that coronavirus measures during the first wave had played a role in the circumstances around the incident: fewer staff were present, there was less direct contact with residents and daytime activities had been stopped, causing structure and routine to disappear. According to the city government, the risk assessment had been insufficient and the action and crisis plan had not been adjusted in time.