Gisele Pelicot's ex-husband praises her courage in coming forward as trial that shocked France ends

For the last time, Dominique Pelicot, who allegedly drugged his wife so he could film strangers having sex with her, has appealed to the court - and his family. Chloe Keedy was in Avignon

Gisèle Pelicot arrived at court this morning knowing that at least one part of her ordeal was almost over.

But in France it’s the accused that get the final word, so she listened as dozens of men charged with her rape were given their chance to address the court.

They are men of all ages, from all walks of life. There is a nurse, a journalist, a soldier, a prison guard - almost all with one thing in common. They are accused of travelling at night to the Pelicot’s home in the Provencal village of Mazan, and raping her while she lay in a drug induced coma.

The first to speak was Gisèle Pelicot’s former husband, Dominique. He has admitted repeatedly drugging and raping his wife over the course of almost a decade, and inviting dozens of strangers into their bedroom to join in.

He used his moment to ask for his family’s forgiveness. He began by telling the court that he wanted to praise his wife’s courage during the trial. He said he regretted what he had done, adding, "I have been called many names, but I rather intend to be forgotten".

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Turning to the five judges who will decide his fate, he said: "There you go, you have the rest of my life in your hands."

His co-defendants have done their best to stay hidden during this trial, wearing masks and hoods to walk in and out of court. Today only a handful chose to speak. Some offered an apology, but only two men turned to address Gisèle Pelicot directly.

In contrast their alleged victim sacrificed her right to privacy so that the trial could be heard in public. After a trial lasting nearly four months, her lawyer told me she is both exhausted and relieved, but doesn’t regret her choice.

"It's been harder than anything she could have expected or could have imagined," Stephane Babboneau said. "But she never regretted it, because it’s been important for everyone. For other victims, for women in general."

He said the support she has received from all over the world has given her the strength to go on.

The panel of judges will deliver its verdicts by the end of the week. Their significance will reach far beyond this court but, ultimately, it is Gisèle Pelicot who will live with their consequences.

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