Belgian Man Whose Body Makes Its Own Alcohol Cleared of Drunk Driving (Had 'ABS')

- Bruges court heard how defendant had condition called auto-brewery syndrome sometimes brought on by intestinal problems, The Guardian, April 22, 24. 🍺

Belgian man has been acquitted of drunk-driving because he has auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), an extremely rare condition whereby the body produces alcohol, his lawyer has said.

Anse Ghesquiere said on Monday that in “another unfortunate coincidence” her client worked at a brewery, but three doctors who independently examined him had confirmed he had ABS.

Belgian media said in the verdict the judge emphasised that the defendant, who was not named in line with local judicial custom, did not experience symptoms of intoxication. The Bruges police court, which acquitted the man, did not immediately reply to an email requesting comment.

Lisa Florin, a clinical biologist with the Belgian hospital AZ Sint-Lucas, said people with ABS produced the same type of alcohol as found in alcoholic drinks but that they generally felt less of its effects...
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/22/belgian-man-whose-body-makes-its-own-alcohol-cleared-of-drunk-driving