Former activity leader tried in Paris for sexual assaults on nine young girls; five years sought
A former out-of-school activity leader, 38, appeared before Paris magistrates' court on Monday for indecent touching of nine minors aged 6 to 9. The prosecution sought five years in prison, with one year custodial.
Trial in Paris: former activity leader admits inappropriately touching nine pupils
According to BFM TV, Michael M., a 38-year-old former out-of-school activity leader, appeared before Paris magistrates' court on Monday 31 August for sexual assaults committed against nine minors aged six to nine at Vigée-Lebrun primary school in the 15th arrondissement. The hearing took place the day before the school year began.
Dressed in a royal blue suit, with long hair held back by a black hair tie, the defendant — who had no previous convictions — admitted to the facts from the outset of proceedings, which opened in 2024. The matter came to light when a young pupil told her mother upon leaving school that the activity leader had touched her bottom. Confronted by the mother, Michael M. maintained that he had only brushed the child's lower back, before illustrating his point with a gesture that prompted the mother's anger — she slapped him — and the filing of a complaint.
Nine victims and a pattern of behaviour identified
Successive interviews of witnesses, including children and activity leaders, progressively strengthened the case. Nine young victims were ultimately identified, accusing the defendant of touching them on the bottom or pubic area. The court president noted the existence of a recurring pattern: "It always happens in the courtyard, during quiet times, away from sight," he emphasised at the hearing.
Admissions judged incomplete by victims' lawyers
Hands resting on the bar, Michael M. expressed his regrets. "I am sorry for everything I have done, I apologise, I ask forgiveness from all the victims and their families," he stated, acknowledging that he had not respected "the fundamental rule" of his profession: ensuring children's emotional, physical and moral safety. He admitted to having "inappropriately touched minors," while denying any sexual attraction towards young children.
However, his admissions were marred by gaps: in most of the cases mentioned, he claimed to remember nothing or very little. Me Carine Durrieu Diebolt, lawyer for the civil parties, deplored "admissions that did not go as far as full acknowledgement of the facts."
Life choices questioned by the court
The court also examined several decisions made by the defendant. Why had he installed an application that allowed him to communicate with child sex offenders, even as the investigation targeted him? Michael M. claimed he had wanted to "talk to them to report them." The president noted that no report had ever been submitted to a competent authority.
Regarding his vocation as an activity leader, for which he obtained a Bafa qualification at the age of 30, the defendant explained that he was told to be "comfortable with children," particularly during school outings with his daughter. He also raised, somewhat hesitantly, the hypothesis of a "sound" or "smell" that had awakened his "impulses" when he began working with year 1 pupils in the 15th arrondissement. One of the victims' lawyers reminded him that he had previously worked in Bagneux and Normandy, with year 3 pupils.
Wearing a mask during the hearing, Michael M. acknowledged that shame was "partly" the reason. The president asked him: "Ultimately, it is a good thing that you were arrested, isn't it? Where was all this leading you?"
Testimony of a father
Head bowed, the defendant listened as a father describe the impact of the matter on his daughter. Having been informed that an activity leader had touched a child at school, this man had tried to build his daughter's confidence. One day, as she was showering, the little girl broke down and told him "everything." Now nine years old and in year 4, according to her father she only has "just a problem with nudity": "We cannot put her in shorts."
Prosecution submissions and judgment reserved
Returning to the bar at the end of the hearing, Michael M. stated that he felt "sadness at having damaged so many lives, shame and above all disgust with myself." After more than seven hours of hearing, the public prosecutor sought five years in prison, with one year custodial and four years suspended, along with almost five years of judicial supervision. The decision was reserved; judgment will be delivered on Tuesday 15 September.
Source: BFM TV