Sentenced in July 2024 for sexual assault on two young people he was training, Jean-Yves Prigent is once again heard by the courts. The former 1977 kayak world champion was placed in police custody after a rape complaint was filed.
Company
From daily life to major issues, discover the subjects that make up local society, such as justice, education, health and family.
France Télévisions uses your email address to send you the “Society” newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link at the bottom of this newsletter. Our privacy policy
According to information from our colleagues in Le Parisien, confirmed by the Rennes public prosecutor, Jean-Yves Prigent was placed in police custody on November 5, 2024.
The former kayak coach, already sentenced to four years in prison, three of which were suspended on probation for sexual assault, is this time being questioned for acts of sexual assault, sexual harassment and rape by a person in authority.
The facts concern three young girls. The sexual assaults were allegedly committed against one of them (a minor under 15 years old) between 2005 and 2008, the harassment of the other would have lasted from 2013 to 2018.
The rapes on the third young person date back to 2023 and 2024 and were repeated in Rennes, Vaires (where the Olympic nautical stadium is located), Bourg Saint Maurice and Prague.
This custody follows new testimony against him.
One of the victims – for whom the 70-year-old former coach has already been convicted – contacted the police again a few days after the trial this summer. This young man, aged 16 today, explained that he had other facts described as more serious to report.
According to a source close to the investigation at France Bleu, the young man also told investigators that he was able to give the names of at least five other victims.
During his hearing in July, Jean-Yves Prigent mentioned “a moment of confusion”expressed “regrets, shame” and apologized to young people, their families and the canoe-kayak world.
During his first police custody, in the spring of 2024, Jean-Yves Prigent immediately admitted the facts with which he was accused.
During a competition weekend in the Cher, he took two of the young people he was coaching in his camper van.
When they returned, a parent came forward to report sexual assault committed against their 16-year-old son. “These touchings were allegedly committed (…) while they were sleeping together in the respondent's camper van“, then specified the public prosecutor of Rennes. “A second victim of the same age was identified as having also been touched in the same context the following night.
Lire : Kayaking champion and trainer, suspected of sexual assault, in court
At the hearing, the thesis of this “moment of confusion” had not convinced everyone. The former coach would have used his aura as a world champion. “The two young victims had admiration for Jean-Yves Prigent, his track record and his influence,” their lawyer then explained. Young athletes began to dream of being “taken under the wing” renowned kayaker who can offer them a future in the discipline.
There was talk of the ambiguous messages that the coach sent to his athletes. He would also have suggested to some to “sleep in bed” while he hosted them in his apartment, which had several bedrooms.
Therefore, the prosecution indicated that “Investigations were continuing to identify possible other victims.” An investigation was opened and entrusted to the Rennes research brigade.
