Beveren Man Receives Two-Year Lifetime Ban Following 53 Convictions

Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht – A local resident has been sentenced to two years in prison for defying a court-imposed driving ban, following a bizarre incident that involved chasing an ice cream truck and crashing into a pole.

The man, who resides in the Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht region, violated his driving prohibition in the summer of 2023 when he attempted to get ice cream for his children. The pursuit ended in a collision with a pole in Pareinpark, prompting a witness to alert authorities.

This recent offense adds to the man’s extensive criminal history — he has been convicted 53 times previously for various crimes including theft, drug-related offenses, harassment, and numerous traffic violations. In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a fine of €8,000 and issued a lifelong driving ban.

The man told the judge that he acted out of love for his children, saying:

“In the summer of 2023, my children heard the ice cream truck, and they really wanted an ice cream too. I couldn’t deny my children that and I made a stupid decision.”

“I got in the car to chase the ice cream truck, even though I knew I wasn’t allowed to drive.”

He initially persuaded a friend to take the blame for the accident, but after being confronted with surveillance footage, he admitted to being behind the wheel.

“I was completely panicked when I drove into that pole,”

“I knew what was hanging over my head and that’s why I tried to cover up the facts.”

The defendant’s lawyer acknowledged the severity of his client’s criminal record:

“My client has indeed not had a pretty career,”

“I can therefore ask the court for few favors, but the man has completely turned his life around in the meantime.”

“He has his own business and has left his past behind him. I also hope that the court will take into account the specific circumstances in which these facts occurred.”

How Common Are Repeat Traffic Offenses in the Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht Region?

The Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht judicial district handles roughly 1,200 driving ban violations annually, with approximately 15% involving repeat offenders. According to the Federal Police, drivers with previous serious convictions are 40% more likely to reoffend within five years of their initial violation. In 2022 alone, the Antwerp Public Prosecutor’s Office processed over 300 cases involving drivers deliberately defying court-imposed bans, resulting in various penalties including prison time and hefty fines.

Data from the Belgian Institute for Road Safety (VIAS) reveals that drivers with multiple offenses related to drugs and alcohol are involved in 22% of fatal traffic accidents in Flanders. A 2021 study by Ghent University found that drivers with over 50 traffic convictions make up less than 1% of the population but are responsible for a disproportionate number of repeated violations.

While permanent driving bans are rare in Belgium, they are reserved for individuals with extreme levels of recidivism or those involved in dangerous offenses such