Former French Senator Sentenced for Drugging MP with MDMA
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Former French senator Joël Guerriau was sentenced to four years in prison for drugging MP Sandrine Josso with MDMA.
- Guerriau admitted to spiking Josso's drink but claimed it was accidental and denied any intent to assault.
- The incident occurred in November 2023, leading to Guerriau's resignation and expulsion from the Horizons party.
- Josso, a victim of drug-facilitated assault, has become an advocate against chemical submission.
- Guerriau plans to appeal the verdict, maintaining his innocence regarding sexual intent.
In a high-profile case that has gripped France, former senator Joël Guerriau has been sentenced to four years in prison, with 18 months to be served behind bars, for drugging MP Sandrine Josso with MDMA. The court found Guerriau guilty of spiking Josso's drink with the intent to sexually assault her, although he maintains the act was accidental.
Incident and Trial Details
The incident took place in November 2023 when Josso visited Guerriau's Paris apartment to celebrate his re-election. During the visit, Josso began feeling unwell after drinking champagne, which was later found to contain three times the recreational dose of MDMA. Despite Guerriau's claims that he mistakenly offered Josso the drug-laced drink intended for himself, the court ruled against him.
Josso, visibly distressed during the trial, recounted the harrowing experience, stating she feared for her life. A toxicology report confirmed the presence of the drug, and subsequent investigations revealed Guerriau had conducted internet searches related to ecstasy and GHB.
Political and Personal Repercussions
Guerriau, who served as a senator from 2011 to 2025, resigned from his position in October following the charges and was expelled from the centre-right Horizons party. Prosecutor Benjamin Coulon emphasized Guerriau's duty as an elected official to set an example, highlighting his previous support for laws against drug-facilitated sexual assault.
Josso, still serving as an MP for the MoDem party, has become a vocal advocate against chemical submission, joining an association dedicated to combating drug-facilitated assaults. She described the psychological trauma she endured, including nightmares and severe stress-related health issues.
Guerriau's Defense and Appeal
Throughout the trial, Guerriau expressed remorse for his actions, describing himself as "reckless" and "stupid." He argued that his actions were not sexually motivated and announced plans to appeal the verdict. His defense team maintains that the drugging was unintentional, and Guerriau himself has called for greater awareness of the dangers of such substances.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The case against Joël Guerriau highlights the ongoing issue of drug-facilitated assaults and the need for stringent legal measures. Should Guerriau's appeal proceed, it could further scrutinize the legal definitions and implications of intent in such cases. Politically, the scandal may prompt French lawmakers to revisit policies on chemical submission and reinforce the responsibilities of public officials. Sandrine Josso's advocacy could lead to increased support for victims and more robust preventative strategies against drug-related crimes.
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Former French Senator Sentenced for Drugging MP with MDMA
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Former French senator Joël Guerriau was sentenced to four years in prison for drugging MP Sandrine Josso with MDMA.
- Guerriau admitted to spiking Josso's drink but claimed it was accidental and denied any intent to assault.
- The incident occurred in November 2023, leading to Guerriau's resignation and expulsion from the Horizons party.
- Josso, a victim of drug-facilitated assault, has become an advocate against chemical submission.
- Guerriau plans to appeal the verdict, maintaining his innocence regarding sexual intent.
In a high-profile case that has gripped France, former senator Joël Guerriau has been sentenced to four years in prison, with 18 months to be served behind bars, for drugging MP Sandrine Josso with MDMA. The court found Guerriau guilty of spiking Josso's drink with the intent to sexually assault her, although he maintains the act was accidental.
Incident and Trial Details
The incident took place in November 2023 when Josso visited Guerriau's Paris apartment to celebrate his re-election. During the visit, Josso began feeling unwell after drinking champagne, which was later found to contain three times the recreational dose of MDMA. Despite Guerriau's claims that he mistakenly offered Josso the drug-laced drink intended for himself, the court ruled against him.
Josso, visibly distressed during the trial, recounted the harrowing experience, stating she feared for her life. A toxicology report confirmed the presence of the drug, and subsequent investigations revealed Guerriau had conducted internet searches related to ecstasy and GHB.
Political and Personal Repercussions
Guerriau, who served as a senator from 2011 to 2025, resigned from his position in October following the charges and was expelled from the centre-right Horizons party. Prosecutor Benjamin Coulon emphasized Guerriau's duty as an elected official to set an example, highlighting his previous support for laws against drug-facilitated sexual assault.
Josso, still serving as an MP for the MoDem party, has become a vocal advocate against chemical submission, joining an association dedicated to combating drug-facilitated assaults. She described the psychological trauma she endured, including nightmares and severe stress-related health issues.
Guerriau's Defense and Appeal
Throughout the trial, Guerriau expressed remorse for his actions, describing himself as "reckless" and "stupid." He argued that his actions were not sexually motivated and announced plans to appeal the verdict. His defense team maintains that the drugging was unintentional, and Guerriau himself has called for greater awareness of the dangers of such substances.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The case against Joël Guerriau highlights the ongoing issue of drug-facilitated assaults and the need for stringent legal measures. Should Guerriau's appeal proceed, it could further scrutinize the legal definitions and implications of intent in such cases. Politically, the scandal may prompt French lawmakers to revisit policies on chemical submission and reinforce the responsibilities of public officials. Sandrine Josso's advocacy could lead to increased support for victims and more robust preventative strategies against drug-related crimes.
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