Hauts-de-Seine: seven years in prison required against the former Red Cross rescuer accused of sexual assault

At the end of his trial, which began on Monday, he confessed to the terror that inspired him to live in detention.

The prison, however, Romain L. could very quickly return there.

Seven years in prison were required on Tuesday against this former Red Cross rescuer, head of the Antony branch, tried for having harassed and sexually assaulted five young volunteers of the association, between June 2018 and March 2019.

Living in a cell, with the reputation of a sex offender, Romain L. already knows.

For eight months, from June 2019 to February 2020, the 39-year-old man was remanded in custody as part of this case.

Released, the man had resumed a professional activity and hoped to escape a new stay behind bars.

But his attitude during his trial did not convince the public prosecutor.

As during the investigation, the former rescuer recognized caresses and massages, especially during his famous "evening hugs", when he hosted young volunteers at his home.

But he has always refuted any tortious gesture.

Despite the age gap between him and his victims, he even considers having linked a sentimental relationship with at least two of them.

Young men over whom he denies having had any influence.

“However, to attract them, he has developed a real scheme, insists Me Violaine Faucon-Tillier, the lawyer for one of the victims.

He began a rapprochement with affectionate nicknames, offered them gifts, took an interest in their taste in clothing before the conversations took a more intimate turn…” At the same time, Romain L. inundated his little proteges with sweet nothings.

By SMS, on Messenger and on WhatsApp and until he gets an answer.

Already sentenced for possession of child pornography

One of the civil parties thus received nearly 6,000 messages in eighteen months.

During the hearing, the former rescuer maintained that he maintained relations with these young people, admittedly ambivalent, but in which each found his interest.

“There is a total absence of questioning in him”, regrets Me Benoit Chabert, the lawyer for the Red Cross, also a civil party in this case.

A regret shared by the prosecutor who, during her requisitions, demanded a warrant of committal and the registration of the former rescuer, already convicted in 2008 for possession of child pornography, in the automated judicial file of perpetrators of sexual offenses and violent.

The deliberation was expected in the evening.