Dendermonde (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A man in Dendermonde received a 2-year prison sentence, €8,000 fine, and a 5-year driving ban after 20 convictions, including 11 for drunk driving; the judge emphasised public safety.
In Dendermonde, a man received a 2-year prison sentence, marking his 20th conviction overall. His criminal history is extensive, including 11 instances of driving under the influence of alcohol. He has been convicted 8 other times for various offences.
The court also wanted to punish the man for his repeated disregard of the law and endangerment to society. Despite previous admonitions and punishments given by the law, his behaviour remained the same, hence, the court imposed a more severe punishment this time.
How many convictions does it take to stop a dangerous driver?
The court was frustrated with the man’s repeated crimes during the trial. They said the only answer was to put him in jail. The court made it clear how serious the situation was. They believed other punishments wouldn’t stop his dangerous actions. Because he had been convicted so many times before, the court had no other choice.
The police judge in Dendermonde had enough of the man’s many crimes. The judge said that being easy on him or trying other punishments wouldn’t work anymore. The judge said,
“A prison sentence is the only way to stop you from driving drunk again.”
The court made it clear how serious this was: it wasn’t just one mistake, but a long history of dangerous behaviour. They mentioned that even after being punished before, the man kept driving drunk, putting himself and others in danger.
Besides the 2-year jail sentence, the judge gave the man more tough punishments to keep him off the road for good. He can’t drive for 5 years because of a driving ban. The court also said he wasn’t fit to drive, meaning he couldn’t drive a car. He was also fined 8,000 euros. The court mentioned that they won’t tolerate anyone repeatedly putting others in danger on the road. It’s a clear warning to others who break traffic laws.
