Belgian Man with Auto-Brewery Syndrome Cleared of Drunk-Driving Charges

A court in Belgium has acquitted a man with a rare condition that causes his body to produce alcohol, recognizing unique legal and medical circumstances.

• A 40-year-old Belgian man was acquitted of drunk-driving due to his rare condition known as auto-brewery syndrome, which ferments carbohydrates into ethanol in his body.
• The man, who works at a brewery, faced legal challenges after his breathalyzer tests showed alcohol levels above the legal limit, despite not consuming alcoholic drinks.
• Three doctors confirmed the diagnosis of auto-brewery syndrome, leading to his acquittal by acknowledging the unforeseen medical condition.
• The court's decision highlights the rarity of the syndrome, with only about 20 known cases worldwide.
• The acquitted man is now on a low-carbohydrate diet to manage his condition, and the prosecution has a month to appeal the decision.

3 Articles

The Telegraph South China Morning Post The Guardian