MAASTRICHT - Two Maastricht men were sentenced yesterday by the court to five years in prison for attempted manslaughter of a 53-year-old local.
That man, a fragile alcoholic, was nearly trampled to death and abandoned at De Dousberg swimming pool on July 28 last year. He had not shared 1,500 euros of proceeds from a hemp plantation with the owners, Francois L. 32 and Harry den B 30.

They went to get redress and beat up the man, threw him into the trunk of a car, drove to a friend's house and showed their "trophy" there, after which the victim was beaten again. Anyone who does something so "bestial" deserves six years in prison, prosecutor W. Smits said at the hearing two weeks ago. The court considers attempted manslaughter proven in each case.