Koert H. (59) appealed against the four-year prison sentence imposed for causing the fire that destroyed a block of homes and shops in central Arnhem. The prosecution also appealed. The case returned to court six months after the earlier ruling, but H. did not attend the procedural hearing.

H. has appointed a new lawyer, who sought to accelerate the appeal. Camera footage and audio recordings from the city centre are to be made available to the defence.