Le Scouarnec, on trial for abusing hundreds of patients, accepts accountability for the trauma experienced by his victims as they confront him in court.
Former Surgeon Claims Responsibility for Victims' Deaths During Trial
Former Surgeon Claims Responsibility for Victims' Deaths During Trial
In a shocking court revelation, ex-surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec admits to his role in the deaths of two of his sexual abuse victims.
In a disturbing series of testimonies, former surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec addressed the court in Vannes, Brittany, acknowledging his role in the tragic deaths of two of his sexual abuse victims. The 74-year-old has been on trial for sexually assaulting hundreds of patients, predominantly minors, over a span of two decades during his career. His harrowing confessions came during questioning in a courtroom filled with emotional survivors and their families, who have borne witness to the long-lasting impact of his horrific actions.
Throughout the trial, which commenced in late February 2023, several details emerged, including the tragic stories of two individuals whose relatives claim they took their own lives after suffering the trauma of Le Scouarnec's abuse. One victim remains unnamed, while the other, Mathias Vinet, succumbed to addiction in 2021. Vinet's grandparents communicated their sorrow to the media, attributing blame directly to Le Scouarnec for their grandson's death.
While recounting the evidence presented, Le Scouarnec stated, "I keep the memory of those two photos... They died, and I am responsible." Initially regarded as a reputable surgeon, Le Scouarnec has since confessed that he sexually abused all 299 victims documented in his meticulous diaries spanning from 1989 to 2014, with over 250 victims being minors.
His lawyer, Maxime Tessier, confirmed that Le Scouarnec admitted during the trial that everyone noted in his diaries represented potential victims of his predatory behavior. The shocking truth came to light as law enforcement identified numerous victims based on the graphic details recorded in Le Scouarnec’s writings.
As victims took the stand, many recounted the emotional and psychological scars left by the abuse they endured. A common theme throughout their accounts was the overwhelming anguish and devastation caused by Le Scouarnec's actions. One victim, recalling the impact of the abuse, stated, "You got into my head, it's destroyed me, I became a whole other person I don't recognise anymore."
While many victims had no prior memories of the abuse, one survivor expressed relief when contacted by authorities, stating, "I have been waiting for your call for 30 years." This sentiment underscored the chilling reality that countless lives were altered forever by Le Scouarnec's crimes.
Throughout the proceedings, Le Scouarnec offered apologies, referring to his actions as "despicable" while acknowledging the suffering endured by those he victimized. Romane Codou, an attorney representing several victims, revealed that Le Scouarnec’s acknowledgment of guilt has provided a sense of closure for many, allowing them the opportunity to move past the torment inflicted by the accused.
The trial has also shed light on systemic failures within medical and regulatory institutions that allowed Le Scouarnec to continue practicing. Despite an early 2000s FBI alert regarding his access to child abuse websites, he remained operational, leading to widespread criticism from advocacy groups and legal representatives.
Collectively, victims have expressed dismay over the trial's limited reception in French society, criticizing both the medical community and politicians for failing to address the broader implications of the case. Le Scouarnec, who is already serving a 15-year sentence for previous offenses, now faces an additional 20-year penalty, with a verdict anticipated on May 28.
