Lyon: 15 years imprisonment for former bodyguard who drugged his partner
A 39-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for drugging and raping his former partner, after denying the facts for three years.
Lyon: 15 years imprisonment for former bodyguard who drugged his partner
A Lyon tribunal has imposed a sentence of fifteen years imprisonment on a 39-year-old former security agent, found guilty of drugging and then raping his former partner. The individual, who had been in contact with Dominique Pelicot in early 2020, eventually confessed to his crimes on the second day of the trial, after denying them during three years of investigation.
During Friday's hearing, after nine depositions containing contradictory versions, the accused stood in the dock. He admitted to putting medication into his partner's food on two occasions. He also admitted to making video recordings in which he sexually abused her using objects whilst under the influence of narcotics.
When questioned by magistrate Dominique Thevenet about whether he admitted to the facts of rape, he answered affirmatively. Facing his former partner, he apologised, also addressing their children and close relatives. "I had everything one could wish for. A fulfilling job, a wonderful wife, adorable children. I ruined everything," he declared, overcome with emotion. He assured that he would not contest the court's decision.
Nevertheless, his confessions did not entirely convince. The adviser to the complainant, maître Julia Studient, argued that hair analysis of her client revealed prolonged exposure to substances, which contradicted the version limited to two administrations. Video sequences particularly shocking in nature were shown, depicting the man soiling his partner's personal effects and committing further touching on an unconscious victim. A hidden camera recording also captured an encounter where only the accused appeared to have consented, which according to the lawyer would constitute an additional rape.
Psychological expertise revealed severe post-traumatic stress disorder in the victim, now incapable of considering a new romantic relationship. The defendant attributed his conduct to a cocaine addiction, claiming that without this substance, he would never have committed such acts.
The public prosecutor's representative, Michel Guedes, sought a sentence of twelve years with six years of judicial supervision, describing the defendant as an "alter ego" of Pelicot. The defence lawyer, Gabriel Versini-Bullara, pleaded his client's existential distress. The jury ultimately opted for a conviction of fifteen years, exceeding the prosecution's request.
Source: 20 Minutes
Source: Google News LU FR