The defendant, who remains unnamed in accordance with local judicial customs, works at a brewery, which his lawyer Anse Ghesquiere described as an unfortunate coincidence.

Three independent doctors confirmed the man's diagnosis of ABS, providing crucial evidence to support his defense. The judge's verdict emphasized that the defendant did not experience any symptoms of intoxication.

Belgian media reports indicated that the decision by the Bruges police court to acquit the man was based on the medical evidence presented. However, the court has yet to respond to Reuters' request for comment.

Auto-brewery syndrome is a condition where individuals produce alcohol in their bodies, leading them to involuntarily become intoxicated. According to Lisa Florin, a clinical biologist at Belgian hospital AZ Sint-Lucas, people with ABS produce the same type of alcohol found in alcoholic drinks. However, they tend to experience less of its effects.

Florin also noted that auto-brewery syndrome is not a congenital condition; rather, it can develop in individuals already suffering from intestine-related disorders.

While ABS remains a rare condition, it highlights the complexity of some medical conditions that can affect an individual's behavior or physiological responses. The case of the acquitted Belgian man draws attention to the need for comprehensive medical assessments and understanding of rare conditions when evaluating charges related to intoxicated driving.

Although this verdict has sparked discussions surrounding ABS and its implications in legal cases, it remains a unique and exceptional circumstance. Nevertheless, it underscores the importance of medical professionals' involvement in legal proceedings to ensure justice is served effectively.