A Belgian man, initially accused of drunk driving after being found four times over the legal alcohol limit, has been cleared of the charges upon proving he suffers from Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS). ABS is a rare medical condition where the body converts sugary and starchy foods into alcohol, leading to intoxication without actual alcohol consumption.
The man was stopped by police on three separate occasions for suspected drunk driving. Each time, he insisted he hadn’t been drinking, despite significant alcohol readings. His plight led to medical investigations which confirmed the presence of ABS. He was required to consume sugary foods under observation, and his body’s reaction confirmed the diagnosis by massively converting the carbohydrates into alcohol.
As a result, the court acquitted him, acknowledging the unique and challenging nature of his condition. Rather than imposing a driving ban, the judge mandated that he make dietary changes or use an alcolock device to manage his condition effectively. This measure aims to prevent future legal misunderstandings and ensure his safety while driving.
This case highlights the complexities of ABS, a condition that has gained attention mainly through incidents related to unjustified accusations of alcohol consumption. It underscores the importance of awareness and understanding of such rare conditions, not only within the medical community but also in legal contexts where such conditions may affect the outcomes significantly.
