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Belgium – Cyclist Boonen was caught last year using cocaine, for which he received a suspended sentence. This year he was again caught using the drug and risked serving a prison sentence.
The judicial authorities are now offering a settlement that will not involve the rider being sentenced.
“We’re treating Boonen as an ordinary drug user, not a famous sportsman who deserves extra punishment,” said Turnhout magistrates.
“This is a high fine and it’s higher because Boonen has been caught out for the second time.”
Boonen’s renewed abuse violates the conditions on the suspension of his earlier sentence, but the authorities earlier decided not to reopen the case.
The payment of EUR 1,000 is an average fine for those caught using the illegal drug .
flandersnews.be / Expatica