Joël Le Scouarnec Trial: Prosecutors Seek 20-Year Sentence and Preventive Detention for Former Surgeon

In the criminal court of Morbihan, the high-profile trial of Joël Le Scouarnec is nearing its conclusion. On Friday, May 23, after three months of hearings, Prosecutor Stéphane Kellenberger requested the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the 74-year-old former surgeon, accused of raping and sexually assaulting 299 individuals—most of them minors at the time of the offenses.

Maximum Sentence Sought for Serial Child Abuser

In addition to the prison term, the prosecution also requested a two-thirds mandatory sentence period—making early release possible only after at least 13 years behind bars—as well as preventive detention. This special measure would allow for his confinement in a secure medical-judicial facility after serving his sentence, should he still be deemed dangerous.

Previously sentenced in 2020 to 15 years for similar crimes against young girls, Joël Le Scouarnec has now admitted to all the charges in this trial, along with other acts that are either time-barred or under new investigation, including sexual abuse of his own granddaughter. Nevertheless, he claims to have no memory of his individual victims—despite having meticulously recorded his assaults in personal notebooks.

Experts Warn of High Risk of Reoffending

Psychiatric experts have described the former surgeon as “highly disturbing” and a significant risk to reoffend, noting a lack of remorse or empathy for his victims.

A verdict is expected on May 28. Prosecutors have indicated that another trial may follow, as investigations into additional victims and incidents continue.