The prosecution is seeking a four-year prison sentence, a seven-year driving ban, and a €12,000 fine for Ralph C. (30) from Malle, who crashed his Porsche Carrera at 177 kilometres per hour in Zoersel last year.
The incident occurred on the night of 31 October on Westmallebaan in Zoersel. Around 2:45, Ralph C. lost control and collided with a traffic island, a mailbox, a hedge, and a tree, eventually crashing into a parked vehicle. “A traffic expert estimated his speed at 177 kilometres per hour, which is a conservative calculation,” the prosecutor stated.
Residents, awakened by the crash, witnessed the driver fleeing the scene. They managed to rescue the seriously injured 26-year-old passenger from the burning wreckage. The victim was taken to hospital in critical condition and passed away on 15 January.
Ralph C. walked to a friend’s house four kilometres away after the crash. He took a shower and consumed alcohol there, allegedly to hide the fact that he was already under the influence at the time of the accident, according to Walter Damen, the lawyer representing the victim’s family. A friend persuaded Ralph C. to go to the hospital and alerted the police.
The accused had a blood alcohol level of 1.76 per mille and was under the influence of cocaine. He claimed he could not remember anything from getting into his car until waking up disoriented after the crash. Moreover, he forgot having a passenger. “Witnesses saw him pulling at the car’s handle and heard him shout: ‘Come on, get out, the place is going to explode!’” said the prosecutor, criticising his lack of remorse.
The defence only contested the alcohol level. “The exact level of intoxication cannot be determined because he consumed alcohol after the accident,” argued lawyer Tim Sebrechts.
