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Verdict Nears in Trial of Surgeon Who Admitted Abusing 299 Patients

After his three-month trial, prosecutors seek a full 20-year prison term with post-release treatment oversight

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Defendant Joel Le Scouarnec's demeanour has sometimes frustrated victims

Overview

  • Le Scouarnec acknowledged sexually assaulting or raping 299 patients, 256 of whom were under 15, between 1989 and 2014.
  • The court in Vannes will deliver its verdict on Wednesday, May 29, following the conclusion of closing arguments.
  • Prosecutors demanded the maximum 20-year sentence and rare post-release supervision to ensure ongoing treatment and monitoring.
  • Defence lawyers conceded his guilt and urged the court to weigh his expressions of contrition and apologies for the abuses.
  • Victims and relatives demonstrated outside the courthouse, calling for an interministerial commission to address medical and judicial oversights that allowed the abuse to continue.