ASBH second row Hans Nkinsi appeals his conviction before the Béziers court

Hans Nkinsi fait appel de la décision de justice qui le condamne à une année de prison ferme. Midi Libre – SYLVIE CAMBON

Hans Nkinsi, sentenced Monday, December 16, before the Béziers court to a prison sentence, but not incarcerated, is appealing his sentence. Nothing, now, prevents him from playing again, except a decision by the club's directors. He is considered innocent.

This Wednesday morning, Me Philippe Desruelles, the lawyer of Hans Nkinsi, ASBH player, confirmed: “My client is going to appeal his conviction. The court has doubled the prosecution's demands. It is therefore impossible for him, as things stand, to adjust his sentence so as not to jeopardize his professional career. The appeal will allow his rights to be safeguarded.”

This therefore means that the player, as long as his conviction is not final, could return to the rugby fields. He was already participating, as he said during his trial on Monday, December 16, in training. He was, in fact, only suspended from the match by the club's management.

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Non-suspensive sentences

Although Hans Nkinsi had been sentenced to six months in prison, the sentence was subject to change. On Monday, the Béziers court sentenced him to 18 months in prison, 12 of which were suspended for two years. As Hans Nkinsi was a repeat offender for the same acts.

The court also revoked six months of his previous sentence to 10 months of suspended prison. Which, in total, makes one year of detention that can be adjusted by the judge responsible for the application of sentences. “But under what conditions ?”, that's the whole problem adds Me Philippe Desruelles.

On the other hand, the court sentenced Hans Nkinsi to participate in a course against domestic violence. He also does not have the right to contact his ex-partner, nor to go to Istres, where his victim lives. He must undergo treatment. All this with provisional execution. That is to say that his appeal will not have suspensive effect for these additional penalties.

The staff must decide on the return of Hans Nkinsi to competition

This Wednesday, December 18, at the end of the day, the three co-presidents of the ASBH board of directors, Andrew Mehrtens, Robert Skinstad and Hervé Billaud must meet (by video conference for the two Anglo-Saxons) with the staff and players. The main part of their discussion will focus on whether or not to allow Hans Nkinsi to play again in competition. Knowing that the players and coaches have already voted unanimously for the player to return to official matches: “The decision will be collegial and revealed before Monday which marks the first day of vacation, explains Hervé Billaud. If it goes against the opinion of the players and coaches, it can be disturbing… However, I don't think that these cases will have any consequences for the athlete. The players are very united. All this can only make them stronger."

If the club decides to reinstate Hans Nkinsi, it will not be before 2025. What is certain is that this Friday in Mont-de-Marsan, the second row will not be on the match sheet.

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