Belgian Man Acquitted of Drunk Driving Due to Rare Medical Condition
In a remarkable turn of events, a Belgian court has acquitted a man of drunk driving charges after it was determined that he suffers from auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), a rare medical condition in which the body inadvertently produces alcohol. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed following local legal practices, was represented by lawyer Anse Ghesquiere.
Ghesquiere shared with Reuters that her client’s situation was further complicated by his occupation—he works at a brewery. Despite this, the diagnosis of ABS was confirmed by three independent doctors. The condition, which is not induced by alcohol consumption, led to the man’s body creating alcohol internally, resulting in a blood alcohol level that could legally implicate him for drunk driving.
The judgement handed down by the Bruges police court highlighted that the defendant did not exhibit any typical signs of intoxication, which played a crucial role in the acquittal. This detail underscores the complexity and uniqueness of auto-brewery syndrome, as those affected do not necessarily display the usual symptoms associated with alcohol consumption.
Lisa Florin, a clinical biologist at AZ Sint-Lucas hospital in Belgium, provided further insights into ABS. She clarified that the type of alcohol produced by individuals with this condition is akin to what one might find in alcoholic beverages. However, she noted that people with ABS often feel less affected by the alcohol their bodies produce. Florin also mentioned that ABS is not a congenital condition but rather one that may develop in individuals who have pre-existing issues related to their intestines.
The case has shed light on the complexities of auto-brewery syndrome, prompting discussions about its implications for legal and medical communities alike. With the acquittal of the Belgian man, it is clear that awareness and understanding of such rare conditions are crucial in ensuring justice and proper medical care.
