Sexual exhibition, death threats, drunk driving… a resident of Palhers in Lozère “terrorizes” his neighbors

L’audience correctionnelle a duré près de trois heures. Midi Libre – Célian Guignard

The 52-year-old man was taken into custody on Monday, September 9, 2024, before being tried in immediate appearance the next day by the Mende Criminal Court.

An old, torn Olympique de Marseille jersey on his shoulders, his eyes an intense blue, his facial features as if he had been carved with an axe… It is a 52-year-old man marked by life, drugs, alcohol, and under escort, who appears at the bar of the criminal court of Mende, this Tuesday, September 10, as part of an immediate appearance.

Placed in police custody the day before, this resident of the commune of Palhers was already due to appear before the judges at the end of 2024. Two cases concerning him were listed on the hearing list scheduled for October and December. But a final offence, committed on Sunday 1 September, will have allowed him to gain time… In addition to everything else, he is accused of showing his penis to a local resident and masturbating in his presence.

From March to September

An additional assault on his closest neighbors, who once again filed a complaint against him, which resulted in him being placed in police custody. Facts that the defendant partially denies: “Yes, I showed my penis, but it was for provocation. On the other hand, I didn't jerk off. Prove it to me. You can watch the video (shot by the victim)…” A proposal that the magistrates, the public prosecutor and the lawyers obviously don't follow up on. “In any case, the offence is proven", reminds Magali Espaze, the deputy public prosecutor.

Repeated death threats, particularly violent insults, driving a scooter while drunk and after smoking cannabis, then exhibitionism. This is essentially what the fifty-year-old is accused of over a period from March to September of this year. The prosecution, in the context of the opportunity for prosecution, has therefore decided that everything will be judged on the same day.

Up to four liters of beer per day

Apart from the traffic offence, all the other offences were committed against his neighbours, with whom relations have continued to deteriorate. “Since his arrival, we have been terrified, says one of the victims who has filed a civil suit in a trembling voice. We don't sleep at night anymore. He comes by our house at midnight, 2am or 4am with his dogs, who bang on our gate. I can't stand his deviant behavior anymore. I'm always on the lookout. I check to see if he's there or not, before leaving my house. I would like to live safely again. I don't even allow my children to go and play in the village anymore."

As the presiding judge, Benjamin Gayet, points out, recalling the nine convictions on his criminal record, the defendant's life "is immersed in alcohol". The latter even admitted to the police during his hearing that he could drink up to four liters of beer at 8° per day, to which must be added the two joints he smokes to – he says – "concentrate better". An intoxication that makes him, by his own admission, lose control.

A petition signed by the villagers

It is difficult, as in many cases of neighborhood conflicts, to understand exactly when the situation got out of hand. However, what is certain is that a petition was indeed signed by some of the villagers to demand the departure of this unscrupulous resident, before being added to the file.

During her requisitions, Magali Espaze recalls that the latter had already threatened several times to – she quotes – "show his dick", before finally taking action. Which makes him think that he would also be capable of physically attacking his neighbors after having threatened them several times. Like the lawyer for the civil parties, Me Cécile Bessière, who wonders "if we should wait for blood to flow before putting him out of harm's way",she points out the dangerousness of the individual.

One year in prison, including six months suspended

Magali Espaze is therefore requesting as the main sentence eighteen months in prison, including six months with a two-year probationary suspension, with a requirement for treatment, a ban on contacting the victims, a ban on appearing at their homes, as well as in Palhers. For the firm part, it also requires the committal order, that is to say an immediate departure for the remand center.

The judges, after having deliberated for almost an hour, finally sentence the fifty-year-old to one year in prison, including six months with a two-year probationary suspension with the same obligations as those of the deputy prosecutor. The committal order is ordered. The defendant will also have to compensate the civil parties for a total of 1,100 euro;.

I subscribe to read the rest