In a troubling case from Caen, France, a migrant has been convicted for assaulting his ex-girlfriend just weeks after his release from prison for a previous attack on her. The incident, occurring on August 23, 2024, was sparked by a “vulgar” photograph of the victim in a skirt that predated their relationship. Despite the photo’s origin, the man’s violent reaction—slapping her and throwing a phone at her head—left her with a hematoma and forced her to take time off work. This disturbing pattern of behavior raises serious questions about the effectiveness of France's legal response to domestic violence, especially concerning individuals already under deportation orders. As the court hands down a two-year prison sentence while banning him from French territory, the case highlights ongoing concerns over the protection of victims and the enforcement of immigration laws.
A migrant in the French city of Caen beat his ex-girlfriend just a few weeks after being released from prison for beating her over a year ago, but this time it was over a “vulgar” photograph he saw of her in a skirt.
The migrant, who is already under a deportation order, was originally sentenced in 2023 for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Now, he has been convicted in a new trial, on Aug. 23, 2024, involving the same victim.
According to prosecutors, the man saw a photo of his ex wearing a skirt, and despite the photo predating their relationship together, he reportedly found the outfit “vulgar.” In response, he slapped her and threw a phone at her head, causing a hematoma on her temple which left her unable to work for two days, according to French news outlet Ouest France.
Afterward, he delivered threats to the woman, telling her: “I’m going to kill you.”
In court, he said, “I want to educate my child. When she told me that she was going to find him another dad, I slapped her.”
The victim was not in court, as she was “in a disturbed psychological state,” said her lawyer.
The man was sentenced to two years in prison and is once again banned from French territory for five years, as well as from having any contact with the victim. He has also lost all parental authority due to the case.