In a landmark ruling that has captured national attention, a French court has convicted former senator Joël Guerriau of administering a harmful substance with the intent to commit sexual assault. The 68-year-old was sentenced to four years in prison, with 18 months to be served behind bars, for spiking the champagne of National Assembly MP Sandrine Josso with ecstasy.
A Shocking Case of Betrayal and Criminal Intent
The trial, which concluded on Tuesday, revealed disturbing details about the incident that occurred in November 2023. Guerriau, who described himself as an "idiot" during proceedings, claimed the drugging was accidental, but prosecutors argued it was a deliberate act aimed at facilitating sexual assault. This case comes months after another high-profile French trial where Dominique Pelicot was jailed for 20 years for similar offences, highlighting a growing concern over drug-facilitated crimes in the country.
The Victim's Harrowing Ordeal
Sandrine Josso, a 50-year-old lawmaker, testified in court about her terrifying experience. She visited Guerriau's apartment in Paris's upscale 6th district to celebrate his re-election, only to find herself in a dangerous situation. After drinking champagne that tasted sweet and sticky, she quickly felt unwell with a racing heartrate and left abruptly, later seeking hospital treatment. A toxicology report confirmed a high dose of ecstasy in her system, and the drug was also found at Guerriau's residence.
Josso expressed that the verdict brought her "huge relief," but her lawyer, Arnaud Godefroy, detailed the severe aftermath. She took six months off work for physical and psychological treatment, suffering from nightmares, flashbacks, and dissociation. The stress even led to her grinding her teeth so severely that four teeth had to be removed.
Legal Arguments and Sentencing Details
Prosecutor Benjamin Coulon emphasised that Guerriau, as an elected official, had a duty to "set an example." He noted that Guerriau had previously voted for the law creating the offence he was convicted of, which involves administering a substance with intent to commit rape or sexual assault. Coulon requested a five-year ban from public office and placement on the sex offender register, in addition to the prison term.
Despite Guerriau's lack of criminal record and his contributions to French democracy, Coulon argued that the evidence pointed to clear criminal intent. He ironically questioned whether the drugging could have been for any other purpose, such as theft, underscoring the gravity of the charges.
Defence and Broader Context
Guerriau's defence team, including lawyer Henri Carpentier, acknowledged the public's "unanimous emotion and legitimate disgust" but warned against letting emotion overshadow nuance. Guerriau resigned from the Senate in October and was expelled from the centre-right Horizons party following the allegations.
This case occurs against a backdrop of legal reforms in France, which last year adopted the principle of consent into its definition of rape, aligning with other European nations like the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. It underscores ongoing challenges in addressing sexual violence and the abuse of power in political circles.
The former senator has announced plans to appeal the verdict, setting the stage for further legal proceedings. As France grapples with this and similar cases, it highlights the urgent need for vigilance and justice in combating drug-facilitated assaults.
