While the period is conducive to exchanging wishes and good resolutions, some find themselves behind bars from the third day of the year, for the same failings.
When he enters the box of the courtroom of the Mont-de-Marsan judicial court, a 39-year-old father provokes an almost knee-jerk reaction from the young woman sitting in the front row on the victims' bench. She bursts into tears. Holds his head in his hands. Tries to contain his fear.
A victim support professional, present for another case, rushes to his side to support him with breathing exercises.
Between Christmas and New Year, this December 29, 2024, justice accuses the man with 16 convictions of having gone to his ex-partner in a small town northwest of Mont-de-Marsan. Drunk and drugged, he then allegedly committed violence in addition to death threats and damage.
A “cataclysmic” scene
While trying to force his way into the house, he unhinged a door and caused a sprain to his ex-partner's minor daughter. A scene described as “cataclysmic” by the deputy public prosecutor.
“He has only one obsession: to harm the lady and the children. Like a Doctor Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, he seems posed there in front of you, but he is very dangerous for them,” insists the lawyer for the civil party. The judge recalls that the man was sentenced with a committal warrant to two years in prison for a similar scene, involving the same victims, exactly five years ago to the day.
Unemployed and homeless since his mother and brother turned their backs on him following his behavior, the man – who partially admits to the violence – confirms having plunged back into alcohol and cannabis, “to lie to himself about the situation. »
The defendant requested time to prepare his defense. The hearing was adjourned until February 14. Valentine's Day.
