Belgian film star Matthias Schoenaerts, recently recognized for his work in the DC Universe, has been handed a significant legal penalty for persistent traffic offenses. A court in Belgium has sentenced the 47-year-old actor to six months behind bars.
Court Verdict and Penalties
The police court in Beringen, Belgium, delivered the ruling, which includes a six-month prison sentence and a €4,000 fine. Additionally, Schoenaerts received a one-year driving ban. This conviction is not linked to a recent arrest but stems from his long-standing failure to possess a valid driving license.
Authorities revealed that the actor had been prohibited from driving in Antwerp back in September 2021 after being caught driving under the influence of drugs. As part of that earlier penalty, he was ordered to undergo recovery tests and retake his driving exams, obligations he did not fulfill.
A History of Traffic Violations
The court's decision was influenced by Schoenaerts' extensive record. Police records show the actor has been convicted 11 times previously by a police court. The recent sentencing primarily addresses his repeated offense of driving without a legitimate license.
In a separate incident last week, Schoenaerts was arrested in Pelt while riding his motorbike. He allegedly refused to take a breathalyser test during that stop. Authorities confirmed he did not have a valid license at that time either. His uncooperative behavior during this arrest complicated matters, but this case is being handled separately from the Beringen conviction.
Legal Ramifications and Next Steps
The actor did not attend the hearing in Beringen and was sentenced in absentia. However, the legal process is not over. Schoenaerts has the right to appeal the verdict, which means he will not immediately serve the prison term while the appeal is pending.
Regardless of the appeal outcome, the court has mandated that he must retake all mandatory driving tests if he ever wishes to legally drive again. This legal turmoil poses a potential threat to both his personal freedom and his professional career, which has been on an upward trajectory with high-profile roles.
As the appeal process moves forward, the case highlights the serious consequences of disregarding traffic laws, even for international celebrities.
