BRUSSELS — The man who killed two girls in a hit-and-run accident in 2001 in Ghent has died due to the effects of alcohol abuse.

The body of Patrick Lippens was found by his children in an armchair in his home on Monday afternoon.

Lippens was regularly in trouble with the law, newspaper ‘Het Laatste Nieuws’ reported on Wednesday.

After the fatal hit-and-run accident in the Gasmeterlaan in Ghent, he was involved in a violent scuffle with a police officer, a ‘love rival’ and family.

He was also suspected of several thefts.

The last time Lippens made headlines was when police had to shoot his two Rottweilers dead during a house raid. At that time, he threatened to buy new dogs and train them to attack police officers.

Prior to his death, Lippens was still due to appear in court on several charges.

[Copyright Expatica News 2005]

Subject: Belgian news