The burglar surprised by a Montpellier resident in Celleneuve lived right across the street!

Le mis en cause avait été surpris par le propriétaire dans le hall de la maison. Midi Libre – RICHARD DE HULLESSEN

This 27-year-old Tunisian had entered the garden of a house located just opposite his home in Celleneuve. Surprised by the owner, his arrest was eventful. Presented this Wednesday before the judicial court, he was sentenced to one year in prison, four months of which were firm.

Crying before the judges, intimidated, Haithem, presents a very different face from the one he had a few hours earlier during his arrest. On Tuesday morning, this 27-year-old Tunisian, in a regular situation, was surprised in a house when he had just entered the hall of the residence located in Celleneuve.

Insults and spitting

In an attempt to escape, the defendant used a tear gas canister but was unable to escape the grip of the owner of the premises, who managed to immobilize him on the ground while waiting for the police to arrive. When they arrived, the latter were copiously showered with insults, spitting and attempted blows, including during the transfer to the police station.

Unknown until then

Haithem was previously unknown to the police. In court, between sobs, he assures that he had no intention of committing a burglary. “I thought it was the entrance to the residence where we live. I was lost, I had drunk too much” explains this professional forklift driver. The defendant lives, in fact, opposite the house where he was arrested.

He explains his drunken state by the sadness caused by the death of his mother a few weeks ago. "This is the first time in my life" he insists, expressing regret. Remorse which convinces neither the prosecutor nor the lawyers of the three police officers targeted by the insults and spitting. "I don't believe her tears. He begins to become aware of what is happening" estimates the representative of the prosecution who is asking for a sentence of one year in prison . "What's the point of going to rob in front of your house ? It’s stupid, when you're drunk you do things nonsense, a burglar doesn't act like that tries to put Mr. Florent Larroque into perspective.

Despite his clean criminal record, Haithem was sentenced to one year of imprisonment including four months and compensation for all the victims including the three police officers concerned.

I subscribe to read more