Joël Guerriau Sentenced to Prison for Drugging MP Sandrine Josso
Joël Guerriau, a former senator in France, was sentenced to prison on January 27, 2026. He received a four-year sentence, which includes eighteen months of immediate incarceration. This verdict was issued by a court in Paris after he was convicted of drugging MP Sandrine Josso in 2023.
Details of the Conviction
The court found that Guerriau deliberately administered drugs to Josso with the intention of committing a sexual assault. He was also ordered to pay €5,000 in damages for moral suffering and mandated to seek treatment.
The sentence’s execution has been postponed pending an appeal, as Guerriau’s lawyer expressed intention to challenge the ruling. The court did not impose immediate custody, allowing him time to prepare for his legal response.
Nature of the Crime
During the trial, prosecutor Benjamin Coulon highlighted the premeditated nature of Guerriau’s actions. He was accused of spiking Josso’s champagne with MDMA, a substance associated with severe intoxication and memory loss, during a dinner at his home.
Guerriau, 68, served as a senator from 2011 to 2025. Significantly, he had previously voted for legislation that made the administration of harmful substances aimed at sexual assault a criminal offense. This law carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of €75,000.
The Victim’s Experience
On the night of the incident, Sandrine Josso reported feeling extremely ill and left Guerriau’s home two hours after arriving. In a distressed state, she sought help from colleagues at the National Assembly and was subsequently taken to a hospital, where toxicology results confirmed she had been heavily intoxicated with ecstasy.
Josso has since become an advocate against drug-facilitated sexual assault, using her experience to raise awareness regarding the dangers of such crimes.
Aftermath and Future Implications
- Guerriau’s actions have drawn significant media attention, especially regarding chemical submission cases.
- The implications of his conviction may impact legislation and awareness surrounding drug-related sexual offenses in France.
- Josso continues her political career while combating the issue of chemical submission as a significant public concern.
