Man who hijacked dial-a-bus in Ypres sentenced to driving ban, prison sentence and fine

The facts took place on October 9, 2021. After a night out, the thirty-something got lost in Ypres, according to his lawyer Michiel Battheu.

Psychosis

In the morning there was no train or bus available at Ypres station, so in a state of psychosis he came up with the idea of ​​going to the De Lijn depot along Haiglaan. He used to work there as a mechanic and knew that the buses there were not closed. After he checked the oil of one of the buses, he was able to leave because the key was in the ignition.

What followed was a hellish ride. The hijacker drove through the center at crazy speeds under the influence of cannabis. His antics put many people in danger, including two officers who were almost hit by a car. After a wild chase, the bus finally came to a stop on a farm on the Zillebekevoetweg

Reputational damage

The consequences for the thirties are therefore not tender. The verdict shows that he was sentenced to 12 months in prison with probation. In addition, he also receives a fine of 2,400 euros, of which 400 euros are effective, and a driving ban of three months, of which one month is suspended.

Compensations were also awarded. The two agents each received 1,000 euros, De Lijn received 750 euros, but claimed 2,500 euros for reputational damage. Lawyer Battheu came up with the defense that his client’s reputation in particular is gone forever.