Verdict due in French paedophilia ring trial

A VERDICT is expected today in the mass trial of 65 people accused of participating in a paedophilia network that raped and prostituted children in western France.

The court’s verdict will come this afternoon, after eight days of jury deliberations, said Herve Lollic, an assistant prosecutor in the western city of Angers.

Prosecutors said 45 children between the ages of 6 months and 14 years were raped and abused by their parents, grandparents or acquaintances.

The case focuses on a working-class neighbourhood in the French town of Angers, between 1999 and 2002.

It is alleged that children were at times abused in exchange for small amounts of money, food, alcohol or cigarettes.

Prosecutors urged prison terms of up to 30 years for several defendants.