This is proof that you cannot give your opinion on the Internet with complete impunity… This Thursday, December 19, 2024, the Quimper court examined a case of public insult. The facts date back to the summer of 2022: at the time, Laurent
travel advisor for an agency in Crozon, receives a couple of potential clients. Immediately after the meeting, he sends them by email several quotes relating to the proposed travel offers. A few days later, the couple called him back. But Laurent tells them that the prices have changed, the quotes in the tourism sector being valid at the moment T.
“That’s where it got worse,” says Laurent. On September 1, the travel agent learned that a particularly offensive Google review had been published on the agency. He himself is targeted and recognizable, the travel agency having few employees.
“It has always only had 5 star reviews”
Questioned by the courts, the couple denies being at the origin of the Google review. On the other hand, he indicates that he spoke about their disappointment with their daughter’s partner, who lives in Saint-Brieuc. If, at first, the latter denies, he will ultimately admit to having written the Google review. Examination of the defendant’s personality also reveals a significant criminal record, with serious offenses, such as kidnapping, sequestration or even ambush.
For the plaintiff’s lawyer, there is no doubt about the offensive and defamatory nature of the notice left on the internet: “My client is a charming man. Throughout his career, he has always had only 5 star reviews. In fact, it was the first one-star review he received.” Following the prosecutor’s requisitions, the president of the court, Christophe Le Petitcorps, sentenced Briochin to a fine of €4,000, of which €3,000 was suspended.
The first name has been changed.
