French doctor accused of sexually abusing hundreds of children is sentenced to 20 years

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Source: Reuters, via CNN

French doctor accused of sexually abusing hundreds of children is sentenced to 20 years

Story by Reuters
2 minute read
Updated 9:11 AM EDT, Wed May 28, 2025


This court sketch shows defendant French retired surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec during his trial on May 23, 2025, on charges of rape and sexual assault of 299 former patients. Benoit Peyrucq/AFP/Getty Images

(Reuters) — A French court on Wednesday found a retired surgeon guilty of the rape and sexual assault of patients, some of them whilst under anesthetic, 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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Read more: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/28/europe/france-surgeon-child-abuse-trial-joel-le-scouarnec-intl

[wolfie001]

1. Should've been 20 lifetime sentences

He'll be out in 5.

[k_buddy762]

2. Does France have the death penalty?

Rape and sexual abuse of *299* children?!

[mopinko]

5. no it doesnt.

there was a case here in chgo where a guy who was entitled to french citizenship murdered a doctor, and fled. he was granted that citizenship as a known murder. he cd not be extradited cuz he faced the death penalty here.

[twodogsbarking]

3. Protect children. They are precious.

[sheshe2]

4. That's it?

Twenty years for 299 cases? You get 20 years and they will live with your assault and abuse for a lifetime! WTF!

[Fla Dem]

7. I agree, 20 years doesn't seem enough.

I guess it depends on France's penalty system. He is 79, so he most likely won't live out the 20 year sentence. France does not have a death penalty. Frankly I'd rather have him sitting in a dank cell for the last 20 years of his life than have him not have to live with his disgusting life for his last 20 years.

[Polybius]

8. He's 74

Not sure what France's system is for good time, but I guess he could get out in 15 years and be 89.

[flying_wahini]

6. How many complaints were made against him? Then follow the people who covered for him.

Don’t you know there HAD to be official complaints against this asshole?