- Body naturally brews alcohol
- Cops issued drink driving charge dismissed in court
In a recent ruling in Bruges, a Belgian man was exonerated from a drunk-driving accusation due to his diagnosis of auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), a rare condition where the body spontaneously generates alcohol. This information was shared by his attorney.
Anse Ghesquiere, the defendant’s lawyer, noted on Monday a peculiar twist: her client is employed at a brewery. Nevertheless, his diagnosis was substantiated by three independent physicians who confirmed that he suffers from ABS.
According to reports from Belgian news outlets, the judge stressed in the verdict that the accused, whose identity was withheld following customary legal practices, showed no signs of intoxication.
The Bruges police court, which granted the acquittal, has not responded to inquiries for comments.
Lisa Florin, a clinical biologist at AZ Sint-Lucas Hospital in Belgium, explained that individuals with ABS generate the same type of alcohol found in beverages, yet they typically do not experience the usual effects of drunkenness.
ABS is not a congenital condition but can emerge in individuals who have existing gastrointestinal issues. Symptoms may include slurred speech, impaired coordination, dizziness, and excessive burping, mimicking those of alcohol intoxication.
