Strépy Carnival Trial: Prosecutor Seeks 27 Years for Driver

The Belgian prosecutor has demanded a 27-year prison sentence for Paolo Falzone, the 38-year-old driver found guilty of intentionally killing seven people and attempting to kill 79 others when he plowed his illegally tuned BMW into a carnival procession in Strépy-Bracquegnies on 20 March 2022. The sentencing phase began on Tuesday, with a decision expected on Wednesday 17 June.

The Verdict and Sentencing Phase

On 12 June, the Assize Court of Mons found Falzone guilty of seven counts of intentional homicide and 79 counts of attempted intentional homicide, but acquitted him of premeditated murder. His passenger, Antonino F. (no relation), was found guilty of failing to render assistance to 59 people. The jury deliberated over 322 questions before reaching its verdict, according to VRT NWS.

During Tuesday’s sentencing hearing, Prosecutor Gilles Dupuis argued there were no mitigating circumstances, requesting a minimum of 24 years if the jury were to find any. For Antonino F., the prosecutor demanded the maximum sentence of two years, citing a “flagrant lack of humanity” for his failure to help the victims after the crash.

Falzone’s Final Statement

In his last words to the court before the jury retired to deliberate on sentencing, Falzone repeatedly said: “Het spijt me, het spijt me, het spijt me” — “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” He had previously acknowledged driving recklessly, telling the court on 9 June: “I am aware that I drove like a madman… I want to say that I never wanted to cause deaths.”

His defense lawyer, Frank Discepoli, requested a maximum sentence of 25 years, arguing that Falzone had limited intellectual capacity and that a 27-year term would “lean more toward vengeance than justice.” Notably, Discepoli did not cite any mitigating circumstances, instead asking the jury to consider whether society would benefit from a harsh sentence or whether Falzone might emerge from prison as a better person.

The Carnage of 20 March 2022

The tragedy unfolded in the early morning hours when Falzone, driving at 174 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, filmed himself on his phone before crashing into a group of Gilles — traditional Walloon carnival figures in red-and-yellow costumes — in the Rue des Canadiens. He struck the group at 105 km/h without braking, then continued driving for approximately 1.5 kilometers before his car stalled.

Seven people died: Frédéric D’Andrea, Vito Cascarano, Michelina Imperiale, Salvatore Imperiale, Frédéric Cicero, Laure Gara, and Christine Chavrepierre, who succumbed to her injuries in September 2024 after living paralyzed for 2.5 years. Dozens more were injured, some catastrophically.

As HLN reported, the judge’s motivation stated: “Paolo Falzone turned his powerful car into a weapon. The road was his playground.” He called his vehicle his “petite bombe” (little bomb), and the court noted that “the question was not whether he would cause an accident, but when.”

A History of Reckless Behavior

Falzone was known in his neighborhood as a “road pirate.” Neighbors kept their children indoors, and his own father had warned him he would kill someone. He posted “Get out of the way, I’m coming through” on Facebook and filmed extreme speeding for social media. His BMW, registered in his mother’s name, was illegally tuned from approximately 250 to 355 horsepower, with the leasing company, insurer, and vehicle registration authority all uninformed.

Victims’ Voices

The trial heard devastating testimony from survivors and families. Sandra André, widow of Frédéric D’Andrea, told Falzone directly: “You stole more than 30 years of my life… I don’t want to hear anything more from you, I don’t want your apologies.” Lorena Cascarano, who lost both parents and her uncle in the crash, expressed frustration that the defendants “only lie” and do not cooperate.

Prosecutor Dupuis told the court: “I will still hear the sound of the collision between the car and the victims in my head for a long time. I have genuinely seen no remorse.”

What’s Next

The jury has now retired to determine the sentence. Under Belgian law, Falzone faces a maximum of 30 years for intentional homicide. If sentenced to 27 years as requested, he would be required to serve at least half before becoming eligible for parole. Notably, the prosecutor was unable to request a lifetime driving ban, as the law enabling such a penalty is not scheduled to take effect until September 2026.

As La Libre Belgique reported, victims’ families expressed relief at the guilty verdict, with Manon Gara, daughter of victim Laure Gara, calling it “a profound relief” and noting that the recognition that this was not a simple accident but an act marked by an intent to kill was essential for the families. The sentencing decision is expected on Wednesday 17 June.