France sentences retired surgeon to 20 years' jail for raping his patients
A French court on Wednesday found a retired surgeon guilty of the rape and sexual assault of patients, some of them whilst under anaesthetic, in a trial that has shaken France.
Joel Le Scouarnec had told the court he committed 'despicable acts' over a 25-year period whilst he worked as doctor in western
France , in a trial that has raised uncomfortable questions for the publicly run healthcare system.
Le Scouarnec, 74, was sentenced to 20 years in jail.
Le Scouarnec's abuse of his patients, many them children at the time, is considered France's worst case of pedocriminality to go to trial. He stood accused of aggravated rape or sexual assault against 299 victims.
'I'm aware that the harm I've caused is beyond repair,' Le Scouarnec told the opening of his trial in February.
'I owe it to all these people and their loved ones to admit my actions and their consequences, which they've endured and will keep having to endure all their lives,' he added.
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