Dominique Pélicot, 72, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of drugging and raping his wife, Gisèle Pélicot, over a horrifying period of nearly 10 years. Watch Video below.
The case, which shocked the world, was uncovered when Dominique was arrested in December 2020 after police discovered disturbing videos and photos documenting the abuse.
Between 2011 and 2020, Dominique drugged Gisèle, often hiding substances in her favorite dessert, raspberry ice cream, before inviting men into their home to assault her.
Gisèle had no knowledge of the abuse until the police showed her the evidence during their investigation.
In court, Dominique admitted his crimes, confessing to facilitating the rapes and inviting between 30 and 50 men to their home.
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Along with Dominique, 50 other men, aged 26 to 74, were convicted of their involvement in the abuse, facing charges ranging from aggravated rape to sexual assault.
Gisèle, who bravely spoke in court, described the years of torment she suffered, saying, “I’ve lost 10 years of my life that I’ll never make up for.”
Her children, including daughter Caroline, were present at the sentencing and expressed their heartbreak over the betrayal.
Dominique’s apology to his family was rejected by his eldest son, David, who told him, “Never.”
While Gisèle’s emotional scars will never fully heal, her strength throughout the trial has been a symbol of courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable abuse.