The septuagenarian was arrested in a park in June 2020. Suspected of touching an 11-year-old girl, he has just been sentenced to five years in prison.
It wasn’t his first time. Tuesday, May 4, in Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin), a recidivist in his seventies was sentenced for several touching and sexual assaults on a minor, as reported in the Latest News from Alsace. The 78-year-old retiree has been deaf from a young age.
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The facts with which he is accused date back to the end of June 2020, in Strasbourg. He had been spotted by a police patrol in a children’s park, chasing an 11-year-old girl. After investigating, the police realized that the man had already touched the victim three times.
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A repeat child criminal
Before finding himself again near children, the defendant had yet been entered in the file of perpetrators of sexual offenses. In 2015, he was also sentenced to three years in prison, two of which were suspended, for sexual assault on children. At the hearing, he admitted to going to parks to see children and satisfy his urges. Having undergone a psychiatric evaluation, he was described by doctors as “Seductive, immature and predatory pedophile”. His sentence is now five years in prison, € 7,500 in damages to the girl victim of his acts and € 1,500 to her mother.
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It is nevertheless appropriate to wonder: how is it that such a character can still go to places frequented by children? The issue of the release of previously convicted men is obviously on the table. For all perpetrators of sexual offenses, there is a real risk of recidivism: 14% over 5 years, 20% over 10 years, 24% over 15 years and 27% over 20 years, according to a study from the New York Academy of Sciences. All the cards are therefore in the hands of justice. When will we see a law that really protects children? This would allow many children to escape the indelible traumas left by sexual violence.
What to do if in doubt?
If you witness or suspect your own child has been sexually abused, don’t delay. Immediately report the child to the police by dialing 17. Your role is not to investigate, but above all to report your doubts to the competent authorities to protect your child.
In a child, several signs can alert you: injuries, sudden change in behavior (aggressiveness, hyperactivity, hyper-emotionality, etc.), disturbed sleep, appetite disturbances, destructive behavior, etc.
For more information, go to on the website of the Fondation pour l’Enfance.
Barbara ejenguele
A journalism student, Barbara is currently doing a work-study master’s degree and writes on parenthood for the Aufeminin Maman, Parole de Mamans and Avis de Mamans websites. She is also …