Key figures in French paedophilia ring sentenced up to 28 years

THE key figures in a mass paedophilia trial were last night sentenced to up to 28 years in prison for their roles in a network that systematically raped and prostituted children in western France.

In the harrowing case, prosecutors said 45 children between the ages of 6 months and 14 years were raped and abused by their parents, grandparents or acquaintances in a working-class neighbourhood of Angers from 1999 to 2002 at times in exchange for small amounts of money, food, alcohol or cigarettes.

As defendants appeared one by one to hear their sentences, two leading figures were given 28-year terms the grandfather of three victims and an alleged organiser of the ring.