Tragic Accident Results in Sentencing of Young Hunter
In a deeply saddening case that has resonated throughout France, a 19-year-old woman was sentenced to a one-year suspended prison term for the accidental killing of a hiker during a hunting trip in Cantal. The incident, which occurred on February 19, 2022, involved the young hunter, then 17, who accidentally shot a 25-year-old woman while participating in a wild boar hunt in the town of Cassaniouze. The court proceedings took place behind closed doors at the Aurillac juvenile court, reflecting the sensitivity of the case, given the age of the accused.
During the hearing, the atmosphere was described as one of mutual respect and empathy, according to the young hunter's lawyer, Denis Delcourt-Poudenx. He expressed that the sentence was appropriate for the circumstances and would allow his client to begin the process of rebuilding her life. In addition to her sentence, the hunting association responsible for organizing the hunt was fined 80,000 euros, with 40,000 euros of that amount suspended, due to their inadequate management of the hunting activities.
Both lawyers involved in the case acknowledged the profound impact of this tragic incident on both the victim's family and the young hunter. Méral, the lawyer for the victim's partner, emphasized that there were two victims in this accident: the deceased woman and the young hunter, who now carries the burden of this tragic error. He noted that the young hunter should never have been placed in such a precarious situation without proper guidance and instructions.
