“`html
repeat DUI Offender Involved in Fatal Hit-and-Run in Liège, belgium
Published: 2026/01/21 04:22:32
The Incident and Initial aftermath
A man named Geoffrey L. has been implicated in a fatal hit-and-run incident in Liège, Belgium, resulting in the death of Adel.The incident occurred after Geoffrey L. fled the scene of a police check, allegedly under the influence of both alcohol and cocaine. he was apprehended shortly after, with a blood alcohol content of 1.58 g/L - three times the legal limit in Belgium (IATS Europe).
Prior Convictions and Legal History
This incident is not Geoffrey L.’s first encounter with the law regarding driving offenses. He was previously convicted of homicide by negligence with a hit-and-run in May 2024 by the Liège court, receiving a three-year prison sentence, a five-year driving ban, and a €4,000 fine. However, he remained at large and failed to serve his sentence.He also has prior convictions for drug offenses and robbery with violence.
The Attempted Evasion
Authorities located Geoffrey L., but he actively attempted to evade capture, endangering the lives of other road users, police officers, and even his pregnant companion who was a passenger in the vehicle. He only stopped after driving through a police road spike barrier (Belgian Federal Police).
Conflicting Accounts and the Court’s Initial Ruling
Geoffrey L.claimed he did not recognize the police vehicle as a patrol car and that he braked in response to an unidentified individual. He stated,”I didn’t recognize the new police vehicles.I braked in relation to this man whom I did not recognize as a police officer. I took risks that I should never have taken. I have made so many mistakes before. I want to change.”
Initially, the court acquitted him, reasoning that it was possible he hadn’t realized it was a police check and therefore lacked the intent to evade. However,the prosecution has appealed this decision.
Defense Arguments
Geoffrey L.’s lawyer argued that his client had no intention of breaching the police barrier and pleaded for leniency. The defense focused on the lack of deliberate intent to evade law enforcement.
Belgium’s DUI Laws and Penalties
Belgium has strict laws regarding driving under the influence. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.05% (0.5 g/L). Penalties for exceeding this limit can include fines, driving bans, and imprisonment, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders and those involved in accidents causing injury or death (VIAS Institute).Driving without a valid license also carries notable penalties.
Key Takeaways
- Ge
