The former Nîmes psychiatrist sexually assaulted patients: he received a suspended prison sentence

L'ex-médecin psychiatre était défendu par Me Florence de Prato. Midi Libre – MiKAEL ANISSET

L'ex-psychiatre nîmois est aujourd'hui placé sous curatelle renforcée. Il a été condamné, le 6 février 2023, par le tribunal correctionnel de Nîmes, pour des agressions sexuelles sur des patientes. 

Alain, now 71 years old, has spent his entire career as a psychiatrist in Nîmes. He was also one of the experts in child psychiatry and psychiatry at the Nîmes Court of Appeal and the Gard Assize Court.

Defended by Me Florence de Prato, the septuagenarian was sentenced,   by the Nîmes criminal court, on February 6, for sexual assault against a mother who had come to consult him with her child but also against the babysitter of the defendant's daughters. ;

The practitioner, well known on the Place de Nîmes, was indicted in 2016 for serious acts of aggravated rape and sexual assault, after the complaints from four women including patients or ex-patients. The criminal acts were then reclassified as sexual assault by a person abusing their authority and position between 2009 and 2016.

The victims described hands on their buttocks, propositions  insistent, assaults or even sexual relations while they were under the influence.  The psychiatrist defended by Me Florence de Prato has always denied the facts with which he is accused and assured that these women were consenting or at the origin of these sexual solicitations.

Placed under reinforced guardianship

The psychiatrist moved to Nîmes in 1984. He was then diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was hospitalized in psychiatry. He is now placed under reinforced guardianship. 

Two of the victims including the nanny were present or represented at this hearing which had been postponed several times. The Gard Order of Physicians also filed a civil suit.

Me Florence de Prato, the retired doctor's lawyer, asked the court to grant her client's silence and pleaded for acquittal. The public prosecutor requested 4 years of suspended prison sentence with an obligation to provide care and compensate the victims. The ex-psychiatrist is sentenced to a 3-year prison sentence with a probationary suspension with an obligation to provide care and compensate the victims. The court also issued a ban on practicing the profession of psychiatrist.