A French court on Thursday, found the ex-husband of Gisèle Pelicot guilty of aggravated rapes and all other charges against him in the historic mass rape trial that has shocked the nation.
The verdict for Dominique Pelicot, 72, was read out in the court in the southern town of Avignon. He faces up to 20 years behind bars imprisonment, although his sentence is yet to be delivered, The Associated Press reported Thursday morning.
In her high-profile case, Pelicot, also 72, brought to light abuse led by her then husband, who, in the face of sweeping evidence against him, pleaded guilty to drugging her and inviting dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious over the span of years.
A total of 51 men, including Dominique Pelicot, also 72, have been charged with Pelicots rape and sexual assault over the span of a decade, ending in 2020, with the accused ranging from 26 to 74 in age and each facing sentences of four to 20 years.
The judges are expected to deliver verdicts on the cases of other men involved in the trial and accused of raping Pelicot while she lay unconscious.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.