Horse riding: a French Olympic champion released, his ex-partner sentenced

Kevin Staut avait fini champion olympique en saut d'obstacles à Rio. MAXPPP – GEORGIOS KEFALAS

The French Olympic show jumping champion in Rio Kevin Staut was acquitted this Thursday, February 22 and his ex-partner, the Norwegian international rider Marie Valdar Longem, convicted, in a trial in Lisieux where they met They accused each other of violence, AFP learned from their respective lawyers.

The debates had revolved around an argument in a hotel room in Bordeaux on the night of February 2 to 3, 2023, Ms. Longem having unlocked her companion's phone to read his messages out of jealousy, and wishing him to get it back.

Ms. Longem, 32, accused Mr. Staut of then headbutting her in the face to retrieve her phone, causing a nosebleed and loss of consciousness.

This thesis was denied by Mr. Staut, 43, who in return accused the young woman of having sat on a knee that she knew was painful, aggravating her injury, and to have injured her face herself while trying to get up while he was holding her down.

A declaration of innocence for "honor restored"

The Lisieux criminal court ruled in favor of the Frenchman by releasing him, while the Norwegian rider was sentenced to a fine of 1,500 euros, Me Fanny Colin, the l&#39, told AFP. ;Kevin Staut's lawyer.

"The sentence is higher" than that which had been required, emphasized Me Colin to the ;AFP.

During the hearing on January 18, the public prosecutor requested six months of training to raise awareness of gender-based violence for the two complainants and defendants.

"The legitimate fight for the protection of women victims of violence must not obliterate those that some may commit. The innocence of Kevin Staut is here recognized and his honor restored", added Me Colin in a press release.

The condemned decides to appeal 

On the side of the defense of Marie Valdar Longem, led by Me Antonin Lévy, we expressed the "stupor and total incomprehension" of the rider faced with the court's decision, "despite the numerous elements provided (…) which highlighted highlights the contradictions", in a press release sent to AFP.

The Norwegian rider decided to appeal. "The disappointment does not alter the determination of the woman in her fight for the protection of other women, nor that of the champion a few months before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games&quot ;, assures his advice.