On February 11, 2026, the Bruges police court sentenced the defendant to a maximum sentence of five years in prison, of which one year was effective and four years suspended. L. had to comply with a series of conditions. In addition, the police judge imposed a lifelong driving ban and a fine of 8,000 euros.
The Bruges department of the West Flanders public prosecutor’s office appealed against the sentence. As a result, the Bruges criminal court had to consider the case on Friday. “We actually received what we requested from the police judge,” the prosecutor acknowledged at the hearing. On the other hand, it was noted that the legislator takes such crimes seriously. In the new criminal code, the maximum sentence has been increased to ten years. The Public Prosecution Service noted that such traffic violations invariably lead to public disapproval and consternation in the newspapers. “I miss that indignation in the punishment imposed.” The public prosecutor demanded five years’ imprisonment, of which three years were effective. It was noted that L. had previously been convicted of cell phone use and driving under the influence.
“I still cannot understand the paradox,” master Walter Van Steenbrugge opened his plea. The defense again asked for a five-year suspended prison sentence, with the exception of pre-trial detention. Master Van Steenbrugge emphasized that the prosecutor at the first trial agreed to such a punishment, but that the police judge ultimately imposed a slightly heavier punishment. “The articles in the press and on social media may have been the reason for the appeal, but that is a bad development. What is the added value of sending him back to prison now?”
The defense then pointed to the reports of the court psychiatrist and the defendant’s psychologists. According to the experts, L. always tries to please others, which allows him to take advantage of a lot. Master Louis Carlier added that their client has always complied with his conditions. A hair analysis also showed that he no longer drinks alcohol. “Sorry for everything,” L. said in his last word. “I’d love to make it up to you, but I can’t.”
The court will make its ruling on July 1.