Sint-Truiden (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Last Friday, on 6 December, police towed a van from Fighters Against Cancer, a charity started by Bert Vanmechelen. He is under investigation for possibly driving without an alcohol lock, which he is required to use after a DUI. His lawyer says it was a simple mistake and that taking the van affects the charity’s work helping children.
Last Friday on 6 December, the Limburg public prosecutor’s office in Sint-Truiden towed a van belonging to Fighters Against Cancer, an organization started by lawyer Bert Vanmechelen. This group helps children in need with support from combat sports athletes. The van is now part of an investigation into possible issues with an alcohol lock. Vanmechelen, who is known from the TV show “And Justice for All,” has an alcohol lock on his vehicle after being caught driving under the influence in 2021. His license was revoked, but he tried to drive again and was arrested after hitting a parked car.
Is Bert Vanmechelen facing legal trouble for violating alcohol lock rules?
Last March, a judge imposed a six-month driving ban on Vanmechelen, with three months suspended, and required him to use an alcohol lock in his vehicle for a year. As this restriction is about to end, police and prosecutors suspect he may not have followed the rules. Reports indicate he drove a van without the alcohol lock, which is mandatory for drivers with such a device. The police have seized the van for investigation. Vanmechelen was found with a regular driving license instead of the special one required for alcohol lock users. The public prosecutor’s office in Limburg is looking into these violations, but details are limited as the case is still open.
Bert Vanmechelen is defending himself against allegations of driving without an alcohol lock and using an incorrect license. His lawyer, Rik Vanreusel, claims it was a simple mistake that was quickly corrected. He also insists that the van in question has an alcohol lock and that the confiscation is unfair, as it affects the charity Fighters Against Cancer, which supports many children during this important time of year. Vanreusel promises to fight to get the van returned.
