BRUSSELS, Belgium. A Belgian man found himself acquitted of drunk driving charges on Monday, as his defense revealed a rare medical condition known as auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), wherein the body produces alcohol, according to his lawyer.
Anse Ghesquiere, speaking to Reuters, highlighted the unusual circumstance that her client also happens to work at a brewery. However, three independent medical examinations confirmed the presence of ABS.
While Belgian media refrained from disclosing the defendant’s name in adherence to local legal practices, reports stated that the judge’s verdict underscored the absence of typical signs of intoxication.
Despite requests for comment, the Bruges police court, responsible for the acquittal, remained silent in response to inquiries from Reuters.
Lisa Florin, a clinical biologist at Belgian hospital AZ Sint-Lucas, shed light on ABS, explaining that individuals with this condition produce alcohol similar to that found in alcoholic beverages but often experience diminished effects. She noted that ABS typically arises in individuals already grappling with intestinal issues, rather than being a congenital condition.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
