MAASTRICHT - Twenty-year-old Yoeran Meertens, who was severely beaten by four teenagers after a night out in Gulpen in May this year, is still unable to talk as a result of severe brain damage and walking is also difficult. He was in a coma for some time. The trial against the underage suspects will start tomorrow in the court in Maastricht.

Nino Pennino, attorney for the 20-year-old from Mechelen, indicated that his client is "absolutely not doing well. "Communicating with him is not possible because he still can't talk. I am very shocked by that. This is a boy who should still be in the prime of his life, but he is, however, in a rehabilitation clinic in Hoensbroek. That's very sad."

Pennino says he is going to file a very substantial compensation claim. Yoeran was about to start an education, but as it looks now, that is not going to happen. The damages suffered will therefore be incredibly large. Moreover, it also remains to be seen whether Yoeran will ever be able to live independently again."

The foursome Pim V. Naud H., Jeroen T. and Jordy M. from Wijlre and Voerendaal were under the influence of alcohol when they got into an altercation with Meertens, whom they bumped into near disco Galouppe. They confessed to having dealt the hefty blows.

Because the defendants are all minors, the hearings will be held in camera
take place. Ivo van de Bergh, Jordy M.'s lawyer, said his client is very sorry for his act. ''He thinks a lot about what happened. Contact with the victim none of the suspects has had until now, because the police informed them that Yoeran's parents did not appreciate this."