Drunk Driver Sentenced to 3 Years for Fatal Tractor Accident in Roeselare

A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to three years in prison in Kortrijk for killing a 72-year-old tractor driver in a drunk driving incident. The victim, from Staden, was on his oldtimer tractor in Roeselare when he was struck from behind by the defendant's vehicle.

The accident occurred on April 13, 2025, along the Rijksweg in Roeselare. Witnesses reported that the car driver made a reckless overtaking maneuver before colliding with the tractor. The impact split the tractor in two and threw the victim into a ditch, causing severe injuries. He succumbed to his wounds a few days later.

Forensic tests revealed the driver had a blood alcohol content of 2.94 promille. A partially empty Duvel beer bottle was found in his car. This was not his first offense; on December 8, 2025, he caused another accident in Kortrijk while intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level of 2.41 promille, though this incident only resulted in property damage.

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And in the door of his vehicle, there was still an empty bottle of Duvel.

Appearing before the Kortrijk police court without a lawyer, the accused claimed the tractor suddenly appeared in front of him during the overtaking and that he was still under the influence of alcohol from the previous evening during both incidents. However, the judge dismissed his account, finding it inconsistent with witness testimonies. The court also noted the lack of remorse shown to the victim's family.

The judge imposed a three-year prison sentence, exceeding the prosecution's request for two years. Additionally, the man received a five-year driving ban and a fine of 9,600 euros, with half of it to be paid effectively. Declared unfit to drive, he was immediately required to surrender his license. "You are a great danger," the judge told the convicted man. "You have done nothing to change your life, and alcohol is still a predominant factor. I must think of the safety of society."

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You are a great danger. You have done nothing to change your life, and alcohol is still a predominant factor. I must think of the safety of society.