A 27-year-old man from Ghent has amassed a troubling record of 31 convictions, nearly 14 years of prison sentences, and fines totaling €144,000 due to repeated driving offences without a valid licence. His persistent pattern of being caught, convicted in absentia, yet continuing to drive, came to a head on 25 May 2025, when the court ordered his immediate detention.
- Man kreeg 31 veroordelingen en celstraffen
- Rijdt zonder geldig rijbewijs en vertoont gevaarlijk gedrag
- Advocaat vraagt kansen en probeert puinhoop op te ruimen
- Man zoekt hulp na relatiebreuk en schulden
- Rechter legt boetes, rijverboden en celstraffen op
- Man moet zich opnieuw verantwoorden dinsdag
Despite numerous rulings, the man claimed ignorance of the verdicts, prompting his lawyer, Sarah Zaman, to seek a fresh start by addressing multiple cases in his presence. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight serious concerns about road safety and the challenges of enforcing driving bans effectively in Belgium.
What does this case reveal about the effectiveness of current penalties? And how can the justice system better prevent such repeat offences? The answers point to a critical wake-up call for both the individual and Belgian road safety policies.
This case raises important questions about deterrence and rehabilitation. How can repeated offenders be stopped before becoming a danger on the roads? The situation underscores several key points:
- Repeated convictions in absentia may fail to deter offenders effectively.
- Immediate detention can act as a stronger wake-up call than fines alone.
- Personal circumstances, such as family breakdowns, often contribute to risky behaviour.
- Support systems, including debt management and legal assistance, are crucial for rehabilitation.
As the man faces further court hearings, Belgian authorities and citizens alike should reflect on how to strengthen enforcement and support mechanisms. Could more integrated approaches prevent similar cases in the future? It is time to act decisively to protect all road users.
