Security Guard Sentenced for Deadly Assault Outside Beauvais Nightclub
In a long-awaited verdict, the Beauvais Assize Court has sentenced Azelarab A., a 42-year-old former security guard, to one year in prison for the 2011 death of 19-year-old Arnaud Lepage. After a lengthy trial that spanned over a week, the court found Azelarab guilty of violence leading to death and failure to assist a person in danger. The court's decision came after more than four hours of deliberation, leading to a sentence of five years, with four years suspended under probation and monitored by an electronic tag. Psychological care is also mandated as part of his sentence.
The tragic events unfolded at Calypso nightclub in Beauvais, where Lepage had been celebrating with friends. Witnesses testified that Azelarab struck Lepage multiple times, resulting in severe head trauma that led to his death from internal bleeding. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the trial, Azelarab's defense was undermined by medical evidence that contradicted his claims of Lepage falling due to intoxication.
A Long Wait for Justice
Arnaud Lepage's family has endured a thirteen-year wait for justice, grappling with the pain of their loss and the protracted legal process. The victim's father, Paul Vanden Brock, expressed hope for a confession during the trial, but Azelarab remained steadfast in his denial of wrongdoing. The attorney general had previously requested a twelve-year sentence, emphasizing Azelarab's history of violence and the severity of his actions.
In addition to Azelarab’s sentencing, several of Lepage's friends faced charges for their failure to assist him during the incident. Two of the friends received one-year sentences with probation, while the nightclub's manager and his son were also held accountable, receiving sentences for their inaction during the crisis. The prosecution highlighted their prioritization of the nightclub's reputation over the victim's safety.
As the court proceedings concluded, Arnaud Lepage's family expressed relief at the verdict, which they hope will bring closure to a painful chapter in their lives. The lengthy legal process has only intensified their grief, but the recent ruling marks a significant step toward justice for Arnaud Lepage.
