Man Causes Accident by Beating Woman in Car, Continues Assaulting Her

halle-vilvoorde, belgium - A man in Belgium faces a year in prison for causing a car accident by repeatedly hitting his girlfriend while she was driving, prompting the intervention of witnesses.

The public prosecutor's office in Halle-Vilvoorde, Belgium, demanded a one-year prison sentence on Thursday for a man in his thirties who had assaulted his girlfriend multiple times in the car, resulting in an accident.

The couple had attended an event on September 11, 2022, but due to the man's excessive drinking, they were asked to leave. An intense argument erupted as they were driving home.

"During the argument, the lady, who was behind the wheel, allegedly slapped her partner in the face," the prosecutor stated. "While her action was inappropriate, the man's response was even more severe. He struck the woman several times, causing her to lose control of the car. The car hit the central reservation before coming to a stop on the emergency lane. The man then continued to assault the woman and the car for about half an hour, claiming he did so. The rearview mirror broke, the windshield was damaged, and the woman suffered multiple fractures. Eventually, witnesses in passing cars alerted the emergency services."

The prosecutor sought a one-year prison term for the man on Thursday, who had previous convictions for violent theft and assault. The prosecutor, however, was willing to accept a suspended portion of the sentence if the man agreed to undergo treatment for his alcohol and aggression issues.

"The actions are appalling, but the lady had also used physical force during previous arguments," the defense team stated. "Nonetheless, my client immediately realized the gravity of his actions and is willing to seek help. He has also cut off all contact with the victim."

The verdict is scheduled for December 2.