After four months of historic trial, Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to twenty years in prison, the maximum sentence, for the aggravated rape of his ex-wife Gisele Pelicot. The other 50 defendants, almost all on trial for “aggravated rape” of the same victimwere all found guilty and sentenced to a minimum of 3 years in prison, of which 2 were suspended.
The sentence imposed on Dominique Pelicot followed the recommendations of the prosecution. He was found guilty of raping and sedating his wife and handing her over to dozens of men, and filming her, over a period of ten years. Nearly 200 rapes were recorded. He was also found guilty of recording and possessing images taken without the knowledge of his wife, daughter and daughters-in-law. His sentence carries a two-thirds security sentence and his situation will have to be reviewed at the end of his sentence for possible security detention, the court said. He will also be registered on the national sex offenders register.
Appeal expected
On the other hand, the sentences imposed on Dominique Pelicot’s 50 co-defendants were, overall, significantly lower than those recommended by the court, which had set the minimum sentence for rape at ten years. The aggravating circumstance of rape or attempted rape “en réunion” has so far been maintained for all the accused. On the other hand, the aggravating circumstance of “administration of a substance” was not always maintained, meaning that the court believes that not all defendants committed the crime. This means that the court believes that not all of the defendants were aware of Gisèle Pelicot’s state of chemical subjugation. According to several defense lawyers, the lack of discernment was not recognized for all but one of the defendants, which will result in a reduction of the sentence.
Jean-Pierre M., the only defendant not to appear for acts committed against Gisèle Pelicot but against his own wife, was sentenced to twelve years in prison. He had used the same sedation and rape methods as Dominique Pelicot, but on his partner. The prosecutor had requested seventeen years of imprisonment.
Another defendant was convicted of gang sexual assault and not rape. For this reason, it benefited from a double redevelopment. Sent back to criminal court for rape, the public prosecutor had asked that he be convicted of “attempt”, a crime punishable by the same penalties. Unlike the other defendants, there was no video evidence of penetration. The criminal court then found him guilty of gang sexual assault.
Those convicted now have 10 days to appeal. A new trial is very likely. It will be held before an appellate court made up of a jury, unlike a criminal court where only professional judges sit.
