Acquittal of after-school supervisor sparks outrage among families
A 47-year-old after-school supervisor was acquitted by a Paris tribunal despite accusations of sexual assault against nine girls in their final year of primary school, with judges ruling that criminal intent had not been established.
Acquittal of after-school supervisor sparks outrage among families
A Paris tribunal announced on Wednesday the acquittal of a 47-year-old after-school supervisor, Nicolas G., prosecuted for alleged sexual assaults against nine pupils in their final year of primary school. The magistrates concluded that the actions reported did not fall under criminal law, whilst acknowledging that they were "inappropriate".
Following the hearing, incomprehension and anger dominated among those close to the children. One father expressed his concern: according to him, this verdict opens the door to further misconduct. He asserted that he would tell his daughter she was right to speak out, but that the outcome served only to see the accused dismissed, who could now return to work with minors.
A mother denounced "systematic cowardice" on the part of institutions and the courts, speaking of "culpable leniency". She emphasised that the message sent by this decision was "of absolute gravity".
The facts date back to autumn 2024. At a school in the capital, several children had reported disturbing behaviour on the part of the supervisor: overly tight embraces, contact at chest level and sexually suggestive remarks.
During his trial the previous month, the defendant had rejected these accusations, downplaying his remarks as mere clumsiness. The public prosecutor had nonetheless demanded a sentence of 18 months' imprisonment suspended.
In its ruling, the court concluded that the intention to harm the physical integrity of the children with a sexual aim had not been demonstrated.
The public prosecutor's office has a ten-day period in which to lodge an appeal.
Source: France Info
Source: France Info