Mayor Philippe Cochet sentenced to five years of ineligibility

Philippe Cochet and his wife, also convicted in the case, are appealing the decision. The mayor was found guilty of embezzlement of public funds and was sentenced to three years in prison, including one year.

The mayor of Caluire-et-Cuire, Philippe Cochet, was sentenced to five years of ineligibility with provisional execution for embezzlement of public funds, this Wednesday, December 11 according to information from BFM Lyon.

The provisional execution of a sentence means its immediate application. Philippe Cochet's lawyer, Me Philippe Petit, confirms that the spouses are nevertheless appealing the decision to BFM Lyon.

In a press release, Philippe Cochet justified this appeal, saying that the court's decision is “deeply unfair and disproportionate”.

“I can only regret that the very numerous elements of evidence provided during the public hearings were not taken into account to balance an investigation carried out solely against the prosecution,” he further denounced.

From prison

His wife Laetitia Cochet was found guilty of complicity and concealment of embezzlement of public funds as well as social fraud.

Philippe Cochet is also sentenced to three years' imprisonment, including one year, with an adjustment to the year's imprisonment in the form of house arrest. He also receives a two-year probationary suspension including the obligation to repair the damage and confiscation of the premises seized.

Laetitia Cochet is also sentenced to two years' imprisonment with a suspended probationary period with an obligation to repair the damage.