Belgian Man Acquitted of Drunk Driving Due to Rare Auto-Brewery Syndrome

A Belgian court has acquitted a 40-year-old man of drunk driving charges after he proved that he suffers from a rare metabolic condition called auto-brewery syndrome (ABS). The man, who was not named, was pulled over by police in April 2022 and again a month later, with breathalyzer readings above the legal limit in Belgium. However, three independent doctors confirmed that he has ABS, a condition that causes carbohydrates in his stomach to be fermented, increasing ethanol levels in his blood and resulting in signs of intoxication.

The court in Bruges recognized that factors unforeseen by law applied to the man's case and acquitted him of the charge on April 17, 2023. "The court recognized that factors unforeseen by law applied to the man's case and acquitted him of the charge," said the man's lawyer, Anse Ghesquiere. She added that the number of ABS cases globally is likely underestimated, with only around 20 people officially diagnosed with the condition.

The man had previously received a fine and a driving license suspension in 2019 for a similar incident, despite protesting that he had not consumed any alcohol. He was unaware of his ABS condition at the time. Following his recent acquittal, the man is now following a carbohydrate-light diet to avoid his stomach producing more alcohol.

Why this matters: This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and dealing with auto-brewery syndrome, a rare condition that can lead to legal issues for those affected. The acquittal sets a precedent for recognizing ABS as a legitimate medical condition that can impact a person's behavior and legal culpability.

Auto-brewery syndrome is an extremely rare condition where the body produces alcohol due to high levels of ethanol in the blood. It can develop in people who already have another intestine-related condition, but it is not something people are born with. "People with ABS produce the same type of alcohol as found in alcoholic drinks, but they generally feel less of its effects," explained Lisa Florin, a clinical biologist. However, patients with ABS can sometimes present with symptoms consistent with alcohol intoxication.

Key Takeaways

• Belgian man acquitted of drunk driving due to rare metabolic condition
• Auto-brewery syndrome causes carbohydrates to ferment, raising blood alcohol
• Court recognized condition as unforeseen factor, acquitting the man
• ABS cases likely underestimated, with only around 20 people diagnosed
• Acquittal sets precedent for recognizing ABS as a legitimate medical condition