Police judge in Aalst sentences man to 12 years in prison for repeatedly driving during a driving ban.
In Aalst, a 27-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for repeatedly driving during his driving ban. The man and his lawyer were not present in court. Earlier, the man had already received 25 convictions for driving under the influence, excessive speed, and driving without a valid driver's license.
The defendant had to appear before the police judge for four violations. All four were related to his failure to comply with his earlier driving ban. In early last year, he was caught behind the wheel of his car four times in just one month, twice in Aalst and twice in Erpe-Mere. The 27-year-old man was not present in court, and his lawyer did not appear either.
25 previous convictions The man was not new to breaking traffic laws. He had previously received 25 convictions for various traffic violations. He was also placed under electronic surveillance. The violations mainly involved excessive speed, driving without a valid driver's license, and driving under the influence. He had also appeared in criminal court for drug offenses.
4 times 3 years in prison The police judge considered the four traffic violations together. Due to the man's heavy past, a severe sentence was imposed: he was given three years of effective imprisonment and a fine of 16,000 euros for each violation. In total, he was sentenced to twelve years in prison and a fine of 64,000 euros. His car was also confiscated, and his immediate arrest was ordered. Photo by Willemdd, Wikimedia commons.