A French court has found former senator Joël Guerriau guilty of administering ecstasy to MP Sandrine Josso with the intent to sexually assault her, sentencing him to four years in prison. The Paris court delivered its verdict on Tuesday, imposing a four-year sentence with 18 months to be served behind bars. Guerriau, 68, was convicted of spiking Josso’s champagne with MDMA during a private gathering at his Paris flat in November 2023.
During the trial, Josso, 50, testified that she went to Guerriau’s home to celebrate his re-election but soon felt unwell after drinking from a glass he offered. She described a rapid heartbeat and a sense of impending doom, leading her to leave abruptly and seek medical help. A toxicology report confirmed that Josso’s blood contained three times the recreational dose of ecstasy.
Josso spent six months off work undergoing physical and psychological treatment, suffering from nightmares, flashbacks, and even losing four teeth due to stress-induced grinding. She said the experience left her feeling vulnerable and traumatized, with lasting impacts on her health and well-being.
Guerriau admitted to placing the drug in the glass but claimed it was an accident, intending to use it himself for a panic attack the previous night. He expressed remorse, calling himself an ‘idiot’ and apologizing to Josso, but maintained he had no sexual motives. His lawyers stated they would appeal the verdict.
Prosecutors argued that Guerriau deliberately drugged Josso with the aim of rape, citing his internet searches on ecstasy and GHB. They requested a five-year ban from public office and placement on the sex offender registry, emphasizing his duty as an elected official to set an example. The prosecutor noted that Guerriau had voted for laws against such offenses.
This case follows a high-profile trial in France where Dominique Pelicot was jailed for drugging his wife to facilitate rapes. Josso has since become an advocate against chemical submission, joining an association founded by Pelicot’s daughter. The verdict has been seen as a step forward in addressing drug-facilitated sexual assaults in the country.
France recently updated its rape laws to include the principle of consent, influenced by cases like this. Josso said the ruling brought her ‘huge relief,’ and she continues to serve as an MP for the centre-right MoDem party. Meanwhile, Guerriau resigned from the Senate last October and was expelled from his political party.
The trial highlights ongoing challenges with sexual violence and accountability in French politics. As Guerriau plans his appeal, the case underscores the need for greater awareness and prevention of chemical submission crimes, with Josso’s advocacy aiming to protect future victims.
