A 35-year-old man who arrived illegally in France in 2018 has been convicted of sending sexual messages to two young girls during his trial on June 13.
The man did not deny the charges of sending sexual messages to the teenagers, both aged 16, telling the court: “I don’t know what came over me. I apologize to them and their families.”
Jamel, which is not his real name, stood trial in the Évry-Courcouronnes Criminal Court.
Described as a “friendly and generous employee,” the man, employed at a bakery in Mennecy, was known for giving gifts to young customers who came into the shop. However, he also exchanged phone numbers with some of these customers. Prosecutors argued he used candy and gifts as a form of leverage to extract phone numbers and speak to the girls, according to French news outlet ACTU Essone.
The man, who regularly consumed alcohol and cannabis, sent sexual messages to two 16-year-old customers.
“I wasn’t in my normal state,” he said in the court after being questioned by the judge.
“You hide behind your addiction to explain your behavior. But your repeated maneuvers are anything but trivial,” the judge stated.
He was sentenced to one year in prison, of which six months are suspended. He will serve a portion of his prison sentence under house arrest.
It remains unclear what country the man is originally from or whether the case could result in any consequences for the man’s status in France, such as deportation.
Be the first to comment