Prosecutors are seeking two-year prison sentences for a former gymnastics coaching duo accused of sexual assault and violence against several young athletes. the trial, which began Wednesday in the Nice criminal court, has heard disturbing testimonies from former gymnasts detailing alleged abuse.
For the male coach, facing charges of “violence, sexual harassment, and sexual assault,” the prosecution is asking for a two-year sentence to be served under house arrest via an electronic monitoring bracelet.His female partner, charged solely with “violence,” faces a request for an 18-month suspended sentence. Additionally, a lifetime ban from working with minors is sought for the male coach, while his former partner could face a ten-year professional ban.
Disturbing Allegations Emerge in Court
During the court proceedings, three of the four alleged victims, who were minors at the time of the incidents, provided their accounts.their testimonies painted a grim picture of abusive practices, including physical violence such as slaps and kicks to the buttocks, alongside inappropriate comments and gestures.
One former gymnast recounted a chilling exchange where the coach allegedly asked, If I kiss you, will you tell your parents?
The coach reportedly attempted to justify this remark in court by claiming he was trying to clarify the young girl’s feelings towards him.
Another victim detailed how the 45-year-old trainer allegedly transitioned from violent behavior during her childhood to predatory actions as she entered adolescence. She claims he used the guise of “sporting gestures” to inappropriately touch her breasts, massage her buttocks, and kiss her neck.
Defense Argues for Acquittal Amidst Federation’s Stance
The 53-year-old female coach, now separated from her former partner, has denied all allegations of violence. However, one of the accusers claims she experienced hair-pulling, scratching, and having her head forced into a chalk tray by her.
Mathieu riberolles, representing the french Gymnastics Federation as a civil party in the case, emphasized that the sport is not a sanctuary from the law. Gymnastics is not a reserved domain in which the law does not exist, no apparatus justifies physical violence, and the school does not matter, whether Romanian or French,
he stated forcefully.
Riberolles characterized the male defendant’s actions as those of a sexual predator who deliberately targets and isolates his victims. The defense lawyers, however, have argued for the acquittal of both coaches. The court is expected to deliver its verdict on November 14.
