MAASTRICHT - Two of the four suspects in the manslaughter of 77-year-old Arnold Vink from Brunssum were yesterday required to serve prison sentences of one year and three years respectively in the Maastricht District Court.The "slipper murder case" Vink was wearing only one slipper when he was found dead on March 10, the other one is without a trace, was heard behind closed doors because the suspects are minors aged 15 and 17.

Prosecutor W. Smits demanded one year of juvenile detention against the 15-year-old suspect, two months of which were suspended. Against the 17-year-old he demanded three years, one of which was suspended. He asked the court to punish this boy according to the adult criminal law. Should the court nevertheless decide to apply the juvenile justice system, the prosecution's demand is two years of juvenile detention with eight months of probation. Two years is the maximum prison sentence under the juvenile justice system.

Next Wednesday, the other two suspects, including the also 17-year-old prime suspect, are due to appear. All four cases will be heard separately. All four suspects are primarily charged with "theft with violence resulting in death.

The 17-year-old prime suspect lived a few houses away from Vink. He confessed to stabbing the man. The main suspect had already broken into his neighbor's house on March 5 and on that occasion allegedly saw on a bank statement that Vink had a substantial amount of money in his account. That would have been reason for him to go back with three friends a few days later in an attempt to extract the man's PIN. According to the prime suspect, two boys remained on the lookout outside while he himself and a 22-year-old companion went inside. The boys who allegedly stood guard were on trial yesterday. The court will not announce whether the 17-year-old suspect will be sentenced under adult criminal law until sentencing in two weeks.