In a high-profile legal case that has sent shockwaves through French political circles, former senator Joel Guerriau has been handed a four-year prison sentence after being convicted of drugging a female member of parliament with the intent to commit sexual assault.
Court Verdict and Sentencing Details
The Paris court found Guerriau guilty of spiking the drink of Sandrine Josso, a serving MP in the French National Assembly, with MDMA during an incident at his Paris flat in November 2023. He must serve 18 months of the term behind bars, with the remainder suspended, and has been ordered to pay Ms Josso €5,000 (approximately £4,350) in damages for the emotional distress caused by the attack.
Incident and Evidence Presented
The trial revealed that Ms Josso became severely unwell after consuming the spiked beverage, with a subsequent toxicology report showing she had three times the recreational dose of MDMA in her system. This evidence played a crucial role in the prosecution's case, highlighting the deliberate nature of the act.
Guerriau admitted to adding the drug to her drink but claimed it was an accidental overdose, stating he had no intention of assaulting her and was suffering from depression at the time. However, the court rejected this defence, emphasising the premeditated aspect of the crime given the high dosage involved.
Legal Proceedings and Appeal
Following the verdict, Guerriau's legal team announced they are appealing the decision, arguing that the sentence is overly harsh and that his mental health struggles were not adequately considered. The case has sparked broader discussions about safety and accountability within political environments, with many calling for stricter measures to protect public officials from such predatory behaviour.
This sentencing underscores the serious consequences of drug-facilitated crimes and serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can exist even in high-profile settings.
