Breda man who wanted to kill presenter Tim Hofman had psychosis
The man from Breda who wanted to kill TV presenter Tim Hofman was in a psychosis at the time. This was told by his lawyer Wednesday afternoon during the first hearing, at which Hofman and the suspect were both absent.
Lawyer Emma Hoffman announced in court in Lelystad that suspect Chris T. of Breda has been on antipsychotics since his arrest. Earlier, Hoffman confirmed after reports of the AD that her client be examined at the Pieter Baan Center, a psychiatric observation clinic. The defendant's lawyer asked the court to allow Tim Hofman to testify behind closed doors. The court agreed.
Not past security
The 41-year-old T. walked into the BNNVARA building in Hilversum on the evening of September 6 with, among other things, a converted gas pistol. He said he wanted to shoot Tim Hofman. Earlier that day he had also reported to the reception, but then with the story that he wanted an autograph from the presenter.
After the second visit, police were alerted. Officers immediately arrested the man outside the building. According to his lawyer, he had never actually wanted to do anything to the presenter. "He is not the person for that," she said Wednesday afternoon.
She also stated that her client had surrendered quite quickly. 'I have a gun in my bag and I'll give you my bag. Just call the Royal Military Police, I'll wait outside,' he reportedly said, upon which he walked out. There the man was arrested.
'Saved by receptionist'
Tim Hofman's attorney Maarten Pijnenburg overwhelmingly disagreed. "Thank God he wasn't there, he was saved by the receptionist," he said.
The prosecution earlier informed that T. is suspected of acts of preparation for murder, possession of a firearm and threats. The suspect remains in custody for the time being.
