Two Dangerous Fugitives Escape from Ghent Psychiatric Facility
Belgian authorities are conducting an urgent manhunt for two dangerous criminals who escaped from the Forensic Psychiatric Center in Ghent on Friday morning. Jason D'Herdt, 28, and Wesley Hanff, 41, fled the facility around 10:35 AM, prompting immediate warnings from police that both men 'represent a danger to the physical integrity of others' and should not be approached by the public.
Criminal Backgrounds Raise Serious Concerns
Wesley Hanff, the 41-year-old escapee, has a particularly violent history. According to police records, he was imprisoned in 2003 after a brutal attempted robbery-murder of his 84-year-old neighbor. 'When he realized she had little money, he severely assaulted her,' explained a police spokesperson. Hanff was subsequently declared mentally incompetent and placed in the forensic psychiatric facility.
Jason D'Herdt, the younger escapee, has been confined for years following multiple arson convictions. Both men were considered high-risk patients at the Forensic Psychiatric Center, which specializes in treating individuals who have committed serious crimes but were found not fully responsible due to mental health conditions.
Second Escape Incident in Recent Weeks
This marks the second security breach at the Ghent facility in just over two weeks. On October 16, a 41-year-old convicted rapist managed to escape after a court visit but was recaptured near Antwerp shortly afterward. The repeated incidents have raised questions about security protocols at Belgian forensic psychiatric institutions.
A local resident living near the facility expressed concern: 'It's worrying to know dangerous individuals can escape so easily from what should be a secure facility. We're being extra cautious with our children.'
Systemic Challenges in Belgian Forensic Psychiatry
The escapes highlight broader challenges within Belgium's forensic psychiatric system. According to a 2023 report, forensic psychiatric centers in Antwerp and Ghent have been struggling with severe staff shortages and canceled therapy sessions. The facilities have experienced high staff turnover rates, with nearly half of employees being recent graduates under 30 years old working with complex psychiatric profiles.
A former staff member, speaking anonymously, noted: 'The combination of understaffing and working with high-risk patients creates challenging security situations. Proper supervision becomes difficult when resources are stretched thin.'
Police Response and Public Warning
Belgian police have placed both fugitives on their Most Wanted list and are urging the public to remain vigilant. Authorities describe D'Herdt as having shaved hair and wearing black pants with a two-tone red and blue sweater at the time of escape. Hanff was wearing black work pants and a black jacket, possibly with numerous hand jewelry.
The police have established multiple contact points for information, including the free number 0800 30 300 and email address avisderecherche@police.belgium.eu. 'We strongly advise the public not to approach these individuals under any circumstances,' emphasized a police spokesperson. 'If spotted, immediately contact authorities and maintain distance.'
The investigation into how the escape occurred is ongoing, with authorities examining security protocols and potential lapses that enabled the two men to flee the facility undetected.