Six Face Trial in Montpellier for Brutal 2020 Assault
Nearly six years after a violent altercation left a 25-year-old man from Pérols permanently disabled, six individuals will stand trial before the criminal court of Hérault in Montpellier. The trial, scheduled from April 7th to April 14th, 2026, centers around allegations of aggravated assault resulting in permanent disability.
The Incident: A Night of Violence in Lattes
The events unfolded on August 23, 2020, around 5:00 AM. Municipal police in Lattes responded to reports of a disturbance on the parking lot behind the Néréides swimming pool. They discovered a brawl in progress, with two individuals injured. One had a bloodied face, while the other was found in a ditch, unable to move his legs.
Initial investigations revealed a clash between two rival groups from Lattes and Pérols, fueled by alcohol and long-standing disputes. Prior incidents included confrontations at nightclubs, supermarkets, and near the Georges Brassens middle school.
The Victim and the Charges
Lorenzo, the 25-year-old victim, suffered catastrophic injuries, ultimately resulting in tetraplegia. Brice, Sébastien, and Lucas face charges of aggravated assault causing permanent disability, as well as lesser charges of assault. Thomas, Thelma, and Gianni are accused of lesser assault charges.
Thirteen individuals are listed as civil parties in the case, including Lorenzo, his father, and other family members.
Conflicting Accounts and the Investigation
All six accused were initially placed under judicial control following a brief period of detention and will appear in court without being held in custody. The 45-page indictment details the events leading up to the assault, based on police investigations and witness testimonies.
Witness accounts varied. Some claimed Lorenzo was not involved in the initial fighting, while others stated he was actively participating. A key point of contention revolved around how Lorenzo ended up in the ditch. Initial reports suggested he was thrown, but Lorenzo later claimed he tripped and fell.
The medical examiner’s report indicated Lorenzo did not suffer injuries consistent with a “diver’s syndrome” – an injury typically caused by entering water headfirst – further complicating the narrative.
A History of Tension
The investigation revealed a pattern of escalating violence between the two groups. Lorenzo was reportedly involved in a previous altercation two months before the incident and had been assaulted on the same parking lot in June 2020. Friends described Lorenzo as a peacemaker, often attempting to de-escalate tensions.
Throughout the investigation, the victim’s family reported receiving threats, harassment, and allegations of violations of judicial control by one of the accused.
The Upcoming Trial
The trial promises to be emotionally charged, with Lorenzo’s testimony expected to be a pivotal moment. Numerous witnesses will be called to provide their accounts of the events of that night. Five professional magistrates will preside over the case.
FAQ
- What are the charges against the accused? The charges range from aggravated assault causing permanent disability to lesser assault charges.
- When and where will the trial take place? The trial will be held at the criminal court of Hérault in Montpellier from April 7th to April 14th, 2026.
- Who is Lorenzo? Lorenzo is the 25-year-old victim who suffered tetraplegia as a result of the assault.
Pro Tip: Understanding the complexities of French criminal procedure can be challenging. Resources like Service-Public.fr offer detailed explanations of the legal process.
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