Carjacking at knifepoint, driving without a license and hit-and-run: he wanted to “teach a lesson” to the victim

Le jeune homme, apprenti cuisinier, purgera sa peine ferme sous bracelet électronique. Midi Libre – RICHARD DE HULLESSEN

The events occurred on the evening of January 25, in Gignac and then in Montpellier. The young adult in question explained to the court that he wanted to do justice to his minor friend, who had allegedly received a request for photos of a sexual nature from the owner of the vehicle.

A car theft at knifepoint, to “teach a lesson”to the one who allegedly asked his 14-year-old friend for sexual photos. This is how this young adult justified himself, tried for theft with violence, driving without a license and carrying a weapon without legitimate reason as a repeat offender. On January 25, shortly before midnight, he was involved in a pile-up on Avenue de la Liberté in Montpellier, at the wheel of a Renault Mégane. On board the vehicle were four other young people, including a minor. Instead of staying where he was, the driver (without a license) fled the scene. He was arrested a little later on Rue de l’Industrie, in Prés-d’Arènes.

Theft at knifepoint in Gignac

The police discovered that the Mégane had been reported stolen, and made the connection with the complaint filed by its owner, implicating a young adult and a minor. This man in his forties explained to investigators that he had picked up the two young people, one of whom he knew, around 7 p.m. at the Mosson tram station, to take them back to Gignac, where they live. The latter had allegedly given him false directions to reach an isolated location. That’s when the older one pulled out a knife and fled with the Mégane.

At the hearing, the president Sandrine Lalande questions the young defendant on the risk he has taken, for himself and his passengers. “It is completely reckless to drive with five people on board when you don't have a license!” Then, on his plan to settle scores: “You have no qualifications as a police officer, a gendarme, or a lawyer. It is not up to you to do justice. Especially when the victim's own parents have not filed a complaint.” “You wanted to help a friend who didn't tell you the truth about everything. You don't have the right cards. Being a good friend means saying: we're going to think about it and consult the professionals”, the president continues to lecture.

Apprentice cook and cannabis addict

The debates trace the chaotic journey of the young defendant, who left school in the 3rd year and was placed in a home with monitoring by the Youth Judicial Protection Service, following an extortion. Recognized as a disabled worker for behavioral problems, he is currently an apprentice cook, but still a heavy consumer of cannabis, which he tried at the age of 12.

His lawyer, Me Anouck Steffen, argues the personality of a young man “immature for his age”, but who benefits from good assessments from his employer. His behavior during this evening ? “It was his vision of friendship and protection”, she argues. This minor for whom he acted “is like a little brother to him”.

“A kind of trap”

Prosecutor Marco Scuccimarra sees in this case “a kind of trap” set by the two young people for the owner of the car. He observes that the defendant “recognizes the facts but justifies them”. Disturbing, according to him: “He is on the wrong path”. He is requesting 14 months in prison, 8 of which are suspended with probation for two years, an obligation to seek treatment for his cannabis addiction, a ban on contact with the young minor and a ban on appearing in Montpellier for three years.

After deliberation, and given the facts deemed “particularly serious”, the court handed down a sentence of 20 months in prison, 8 of which are firm, under an electronic tag, which will allow the young man to continue his apprenticeship in a company. “You should have slept in prison tonight. This CAP is the chance of a lifetime”, the presiding judge pointed out sharply before he left the courtroom.

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