Father Sentenced to 20 Years for Horrific Crimes Against Daughter
In a shocking case that has drawn widespread attention, the Var criminal court sentenced 38-year-old Julien B. to 20 years in prison for the repeated rape of his teenage daughter and for facilitating her abuse by other men. This maximum sentence was handed down on November 22, 2024, aligning with the demands of attorney general Estelle Bois. The case has been compared to the notorious Mazan rapes tried in Avignon, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The trial revealed the extent of Julien B.'s control over his daughter, who was subjected to sexual exploitation from the age of 13. He not only raped her but also delivered her to older men, often recruited through classified ad sites like Wannonce. Under the guise of a consensual relationship, he manipulated the situation, presenting himself and his daughter as a couple seeking to fulfill fantasies. The young girl was often blindfolded and forced to comply with the desires of these men, all while her father directed and filmed the acts.
A Disturbing Dynamic of Power and Control
During the trial, Julien B. acknowledged the abuse but claimed it stemmed from a romantic relationship with his daughter, who he insisted was not his biological child. However, attorney general Estelle Bois emphasized that this was not a case of love but rather one of power and domination. She stated, "He doesn't love (his daughter); he likes to have all the power over her, for her to belong to him, for her to obey him."
The court also addressed the other men involved in the abuse. One identified perpetrator received a 16-year sentence, with a warrant for his arrest issued during the proceedings. The evidence against these men included geolocated pornographic images and videos of the victim, which were found on Julien B.'s devices. The disturbing nature of the case has sparked outrage and calls for justice.
Victim's Courage and the Road to Justice
The victim, now 18, bravely attended the hearing with a trained support dog, symbolizing her strength in overcoming the trauma. She had escaped the abusive situation in the summer of 2021, at the age of 15, when the violence escalated. Her decision to come forward and end the abuse has been pivotal in bringing her father to justice. As the case concludes, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and support for victims of such heinous crimes.
