Former Belgian international Steven Defour has been handed a two-month driving ban and a €1,200 fine after being caught using his mobile phone while speeding on the E40 highway near Bertem.
The verdict comes from the Leuven court of appeal, which reduced his original sentence after determining the legal proceedings had exceeded a reasonable timeframe. Defour was initially sentenced to a three-month ban and a €1,680 fine, along with a mandatory retake of the theoretical driving test. On appeal, the court waived the test requirement and shortened both the ban and financial penalty.
Court records indicate Defour was detected by a traffic monitoring system on February 25, 2024, traveling at 130 km/h, later corrected to 122.2 km/h. Photographic evidence confirmed he was holding his mobile phone in his right hand at the time of the offense.
This marks the thirteenth occasion Defour has been fined for using a mobile device while driving. His history with traffic violations includes multiple prior convictions for speeding and driving on the hard shoulder, leading to increasingly severe penalties over time.
In January of the previous year, Defour faced similar charges and was sentenced to a three-month ban and a €1,680 fine. He was similarly required to pass the theoretical driving exam before regaining his license. He appealed that decision, citing the impact on his personal life and work as a football analyst, but the original ruling stood.
The latest ruling reflects a pattern of leniency in appellate review, with courts adjusting penalties when procedural delays occur. Despite the reduction, authorities emphasized that the core offense — using a phone while driving — remains a serious breach of road safety regulations.
Defour, who earned 52 caps for the Belgian national team during his playing career, has worked as a football analyst since retiring from professional play. His most recent club stint was with KV Mechelen, and he previously played for Standard Liège, Porto, Burnley, Anderlecht, and other teams across Europe.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about distracted driving in Belgium, where repeated offenses trigger escalating consequences. Legal experts note that while courts may mitigate sentences due to procedural factors, repeated violations suggest a need for stronger deterrents.
As of now, Defour must refrain from driving for two months and pay the imposed fine. There is no indication of further legal action or additional conditions tied to the sentence.
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