Tragic Accident of Antoine Alléno: Francky D. Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison

The Paris Criminal Court sentenced Francky D., 27, to seven years in prison on Thursday, November 28, for causing the death of Antoine Alléno, the son of renowned chef Yannick Alléno, in May 2022. The driver, found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and several other offenses, struck the young man while driving drunk in a stolen car.

A Severe Sentence, but Below the Prosecution’s Request

During the October hearing, the prosecution had requested eight years of imprisonment, immediate detention, and a ten-year driving ban. The court ultimately handed down a seven-year prison sentence, along with a five-year ban on obtaining a driver’s license. The sentence includes immediate execution, meaning Francky D. will go to prison even if he appeals.

The Facts: An Evening of Recklessness and Danger

The tragedy occurred on May 8, 2022, in Paris’s 7th arrondissement. That evening, Francky D., intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of 1.56 g/l, was driving at 120 km/h in a zone limited to 30 km/h in a powerful Audi RS6 he had stolen earlier. After colliding with a private-hire vehicle and a taxi, he lost control of the car and violently struck a scooter.

Antoine Alléno, 24 years old and the scooter’s driver, was thrown to the ground and succumbed to his injuries. His passenger, Anisa, was injured. After the accident, Francky D. fled on foot but was quickly apprehended.

A Series of Offenses and Late Regrets

Francky D., who already had six prior convictions, was on trial for involuntary manslaughter with two aggravating circumstances, involuntary injuries, and violent theft. During the hearing, he admitted to the facts but denied the allegations of assault brought by a valet when he stole the vehicle. “I committed the irreparable,” he confessed, claiming the incident “would never have happened” without alcohol.

Two Other Defendants Acquitted

Two alleged accomplices, René A. (47) and Sniper G. (20), who were charged with group theft, were acquitted. The prosecution had requested six months of imprisonment and nine months suspended for them, respectively.

A Fight for a New “Road Homicide” Offense

Since the tragedy, Yannick Alléno, the victim’s father, has been actively advocating for the creation of a specific “road homicide” offense. This proposed law, intended to impose harsher penalties for fatal accidents caused by reckless behavior, is currently on hold in the National Assembly.

In memory of Antoine, the family also founded the Antoine Alléno Association, which provides support to families who have lost loved ones to road violence.