two rugby players found guilty of rape ask to be released

What happened on March 12, 2017 in a hotel room in Mérignac? The Gironde Assize Court ruled, on December 13, 2024, that rugby players gang-raped an alcoholic student after a match against UBB in Bordeaux. Among them, Rory Grice and Loïck Jammes (Grenoble players) were sentenced to twelve and fourteen years of imprisonment respectively. But they appealed, still believing the sexual intercourse was consensual, and are now presumed innocent.

From their cell in Gradignan, they therefore filed, pending a new trial, a request for release, which was examined on Tuesday January 21 by the investigating chamber.

Rory Grice, a 24-year-old New Zealander, arrived in a shirt and suit. “He scrupulously respected his judicial review from the start of the case and never put pressure on anyone,” highlighted his lawyer, Mr.^e Philip Fitzgerald, insisting on his guarantees of representation (his wife and their child live in France). “I ask to be reunited with my family,” the person said only in French.

Risk of leakage

But the attorney general requires continued detention: “Public opinion would not understand” a possible release in the post-trial context of Mazan, which could lead to a flight to his country of origin.

It’s the turn of Frenchman Loïck Jammes, 30, also in a suit. Here again, the public prosecutor highlights the risk of disturbing public order if he were to be released.

Unlike M^e Denis Dreyfus, who recalls an essential rule: “Detention is the exception. » According to the defense lawyer, placement under an electronic bracelet would be justified. The former defendant speaks from the box: “I can’t imagine staying locked up. If you force me to submit to obligations, I will respect them. »

The decision will be rendered on February 11, after seven years and eight months of procedure. Next week, the Irishman Denis Coulson, another convict, will make the same request.