Geraardsbergen Man Faces €27,000 Fine and 7-Year Sentence for Driving Offenses
Geraardsbergen (Brussels Morning Newspaper): A man from Geraardsbergen has been sentenced to a €27,000 fine and a 7-year prison term after failing to appear in court for serious driving offenses, including driving under the influence (DUI) and not having a valid license. Despite claims from his lawyer that the man had turned his life around in Tenerife, the judge deemed the punishment necessary due to his repeated offenses.
On November 15, the man was absent from a hearing at the Dendermonde police court regarding serious driving violations from the previous year. He had been caught driving under the influence of cocaine and alcohol, without a valid license, and in violation of an official order prohibiting him from driving. His lawyer acknowledged that he now resides in Tenerife and did not attend the court session.
Claims of a Changed Life in Tenerife Fall Short
Despite his lawyer’s argument that the man has changed his life, started a catering business with his partner in Tenerife, and no longer has any intention of driving, the judge ruled in favor of a strict sentence. The court heard the prosecutor’s criticism of the man’s continued disregard for the law and court orders, emphasizing the need for him to face the consequences of his actions.
Given his previous record of similar offenses, the judge imposed the hefty fine and prison sentence. If the man returns to Belgium, he will be immediately incarcerated.
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About Brussels Morning: Brussels Morning is an online daily newspaper based in Belgium, providing independent coverage of European and international affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM focuses on EU policies and politics, key developments in Member States, and the international agenda from a European viewpoint.
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