Sylvain Allemand // Credits: Valery HACHE / AFP
modified to
7:21 p.m., February 27, 2024
72 firearms and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition were seized during a search last week at Alain Delon’s home in Douchy-Montcorbon, in Loiret, the Montargis prosecutor’s office announced on Tuesday. An investigation into illegal possession of weapons, acquisition and illegal possession of category A, B and C weapons has been opened.
The troubles continue for Alain Delon. 72 firearms and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition were seized during a search last week at Alain Delon’s home in Douchy-Montcorbon, in Loiret, the Montargis prosecutor’s office announced on Tuesday. According to the prosecutor, “the Cheetah”, now 88 years old and seriously ill, did not benefit from any authorization allowing him to hold this type of property. An investigation into illegal possession of weapons, acquisition and illegal possession of category A, B and C weapons has been opened.
More or less severe penalties depending on the case
French law defines the carrying of weapons as the situation where an individual has one at home. “The possession of a weapon, as well as its transport, is authorized for people practicing hunting or sport shooting or individuals participating in historical reenactments. In this case, they must hold a hunting license or a shooting license sports, all valid and authorization from the prefecture”, a police source tells Europe 1.
The different weapons are classified according to their dangerousness very strictly:
- Category A: corresponds to weapons of war, reserved for military personnel on mission (e.g. assault rifles)
- Category B: weapons mainly reserved for law enforcement on duty (e.g. semi-automatic pistols)
- Category C: weapons reserved for hunting and sport shooting (e.g. hunting rifles)
- Category D: over-the-counter, simple registration procedure (e.g. batons, daggers)
Up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 euros
If a person possesses a weapon without an authorization falling within the framework of the regulations, he therefore commits an offense. Depending on the category of the weapon, it is punished more or less severely. Categories A and B were found at Alain Delon. If we stick only to the text of the law, the actor risks five years of imprisonment and a fine of 75,000 euros, according to article L. 2332-1 of the defense code. The penalties can be increased to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 euros in the event of aggravating circumstances.
Despite the seriousness of the facts and the severity of the legal texts, it is up to the court to assess the prosecution “according to different criteria, including the personality, the environment and the discernment of the author”, indicates the same source. policewoman. In the case of Alain Delon, “psychologically diminished and ill”, it is likely that he “will have almost no sanction”.