- This story is developing, more information will be coming soon.
The trial in France of a retired electrician who drugged his wife and invited dozens of strangers to rape her was at risk of collapse tonight after the judge announced the defendant was so ill he would not be able to attend court until Monday at the earliest.
Dominique Pelicot has admitted giving his wife Gisele powerful sedatives to render her unconscious and then sneaking men into their home in a village in Provence to attack her.
The 71-year-old’s testimony has been postponed twice this week after he was rushed to hospital with a suspected bladder infection.
But this afternoon Judge Roger Arata dramatically told the court that Pelicot’s health had deteriorated and he would not be fit to appear in court until Monday at the earliest.
Judge Arata said: ‘Mr Pelicot’s health has deteriorated.
Dominique Pelicot (pictured) is now on trial for a nearly decade-long campaign of drugging and sexually abusing his wife on camera, along with 50 other men he invited to the family home to take part in the heinous activity.
‘He requires medical treatment and will not be able to attend court for the remainder of this week.
“He will not be back in court until Monday at the earliest.”
Judge Arata told the court that the trial will continue with the presentation of evidence against other defendants throughout the rest of the day and tomorrow morning.
Pelicot’s lawyer, Beatrice Zavarro, told the court that her client’s deteriorating health had been exacerbated by prison staff failing to act when he first felt unwell on Friday.
Judge Arata warned all interested parties, including the lawyers acting on behalf of Madame Pelicot, that the case is likely to be adjourned until Pelicot, the main defendant, is well enough to appear in court.
We will continue to report more.