PARIS (AP) — Gisèle Pelicot’s ex-husband has decided against appealing his 20-year prison sentence for the drugging and rape of his former wife, a case that deeply shocked France, as revealed by his lawyer Monday. Dominique Pelicot has opted not to pursue an appeal in order to spare his ex-wife the distress of enduring another trial, according to attorney Béatrice Zavarro in an interview with France Info.
Among the 50 men recently convicted following a trial spanning more than three months, 17 have chosen to challenge their sentences. The court in Avignon, a town in southern France, issued varying prison terms, from three to 15 years, for the individuals found guilty of offenses against Gisèle Pelicot, including rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault over a nearly ten-year span.
Dominique Pelicot, held accountable for rape and all other accusations, received the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. At 72 years old, he faces the possibility of spending the remainder of his life incarcerated. Parole will not be an option until he completes at least two-thirds of his sentence.
