French former senator found guilty of drugging MP with intent to sexually assault her

Former French senator Joël Guerriau was found guilty by a French court of drugging National Assembly MP Sandrine Josso with ecstasy in November 2023 with the intent to sexually assault her. Guerriau was sentenced to four years in prison, with 18 months to be served behind bars. Josso reported feeling unwell after drinking champagne at Guerriau's apartment and a toxicology report confirmed the presence of ecstasy in her blood. Guerriau claimed the drugging was accidental, stating he had intended to use the ecstasy for a panic attack but did not. He has resigned from the senate and was expelled from his political party and plans to appeal the verdict.

Former French Senator Joël Guerriau was convicted on Tuesday in Paris of drugging National Assembly member Sandrine Josso with ecstasy with the intent to sexually assault her. The court found that Josso consumed a high dose of ecstasy, impairing her judgment and control. Guerriau received a four-year jail sentence, with 30 months suspended, a five-year electoral ban, and was ordered to pay Josso 9,000 euros in damages. The court rejected Guerriau's claim that the drugging was inadvertent. Guerriau, who resigned from his senate position in October 2025, will appeal the verdict. The case has resonated in France amid ongoing debates about rape culture and drug-facilitated sexual abuse.

Former French senator Joel Guerriau was found guilty of drugging MP Sandrine Josso with ecstasy at his Paris flat in November 2023. Guerriau received a four-year prison sentence, with 18 months to be served, and was ordered to pay Josso €5,000 in damages. Josso testified that she felt unwell after drinking champagne at Guerriau's home and a toxicology report confirmed MDMA in her blood. Guerriau admitted to spiking the drink but claimed it was accidental, stating he intended to take the drug himself and denied any intention of assault. Guerriau's lawyers said he would appeal the verdict, while Josso expressed relief.

Former French senator Joël Guerriau is on trial in Paris, accused of drugging MP Sandrine Josso with MDMA in November 2023. Josso alleges that Guerriau spiked her champagne at his apartment, causing her to experience severe symptoms before she fled. Guerriau, who resigned from the senate last year, faces charges of drug use and administering a substance to commit sexual assault, which he denies, claiming it was an accident. Josso, a member of parliament, has become a prominent advocate against drug-related sexual assault, leading investigations and raising awareness on the issue. The case has drawn significant attention in France, highlighting the issue of drug-facilitated sexual abuse.