The first day of the trial of François Vergniaud, a 50-year-old man tried for the murder and rape of Céleste, on August 20, 2020 in Nantes, ended, Friday October 25, 2024, with applause from relatives and supporters of the victim's family. A reaction to the testimony full of rage and despair of the mother of the 15-year-old girl.
“I did not intervene because they were spontaneous and understandable when they intervened,” declared this Monday, October 28, Laurence Delhaye. The president of the Loire-Atlantique Assize Court has decided to make this communication “carefully considered”, before the resumption of the debates, in front of a courtroom still full of people, some of whom are wearing a white t-shirt on which the photo of the young girl who died a little over four years ago was printed. “I don’t want this to happen again,” insisted the president.
“Insulting remarks”
In addition to this applause, “insulting remarks, or worse”, were uttered against the accused and the two lawyers sitting on the defense bench. “I don’t want their rights to be hindered. » And this, even if she can understand “emotion, anger and distrust of justice”, added Laurence Delhaye.
She wanted to clarify, to remind, that she was not “proof of any complacency towards anyone. I ask all the questions. I do what I consider my duty. I have no intention of sweeping anything under the rug.”
The President concluded that “if it proves necessary”, she would use the police power of the audience.
