50 other men were also found guilty of taking part in the abuse, but many have been handed shorter sentences than those asked for by prosecutors.Although many of the men have received shorter sentences than prosecutors had asked for, some of the most egregious offenders have received sentences lasting more than a decade.At least five of the men charged with the aggravated rape of Gisèle Pelicot will walk free from court this evening, as some of them have already served prison time and others were handed suspended sentences.
All 51 men were found guilty of charges of rape, and one charge of sexual assault in court today.
“Several of the convicted men will not be taking to prison immediately because of their health. A few more days of freedom while we find a suitable prison,” Presiding Judge Roger Arata said as the sentences were being handed down.
Romain V., who visited the Pelicot house six times, has been handed a 15-year prison sentence. Charly A., who also visited six times, has been given 13 years.
There has been shock at the sentencing. One woman collapsed on the floor, yelling “the bastard only got 20 years!” in reference to Dominique Pelicot.
Gisèle Pelicot waived her anonymity in an effort to help other women and force a change in society. Arriving in court on Thursday, she smiled, shook hands and waved at the hundreds of supporters gathered out the front of the courthouse in Avignon.
Jean-Pierre Marechal has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of raping and drugging his wife.
Marechal, 63, said he had used Dominique Pelicot’s methods against Giséle Pelicot to abuse his own wife, Cilia M.
His sentence is significantly shorter than the 17-year statement asked for by prosecutors.
