The man appeared before Nivelles Criminal Court on Tuesday, facing charges including attempted extortion, weapons offences, arson, assault, cocaine possession and vehicle theft. Prosecutors requested an 18-month prison sentence, while the revocation of two previous sentencing measures left him facing an additional 24 months.

The alleged offences took place on 13 and 14 July. After fleeing hospital while intoxicated, the man allegedly went to his ex-partner’s home in breach of a restraining order, threatened a 16-year-old supermarket worker with a blade and set fire to clothes in an apartment building.

He was later arrested in Brussels and suffered a broken leg while being restrained by police.

The court is expected to deliver its judgment on 17 November.