Nantes man sentenced to prison for series of homophobic assaults

A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to four years in prison, including two years with a probationary suspension, after a series of assaults and violent robberies in a Nantes park known as a meeting place for gay men.

“

the robberies and violence

The Nantes criminal court heard that he faced charges over around 10 incidents, including five homophobic assaults. The attacks occurred between June and July 2025. Several men told the court that the defendant drew them toward the back of the park with suggestive gestures and unmistakable looks before attacking them.

One victim said the man led him to a quiet area and struck him several times in the face. Like other victims who testified, he said he had been strangled. Another man encountered the defendant carrying a stick. The attacker demanded his wallet and repeatedly hit him with a tree branch. That victim said the defendant had made no suggestive gesture and had not insulted him because of his homosexuality.

“

in no way

The defendant acknowledged “the robberies and violence” but insisted the attacks had “in no way” been committed “because of the victims’ sexual orientation.” He said he guided the men to more isolated places “to rob them,” adding, “I needed money.” He apologized several times during the hearing and acknowledged that he knew the park was a meeting place.

“

I needed money

The prosecutor described him as a man “on the hunt” in a “very specific” location and sought a four-year sentence, including one year with probationary suspension. His defense lawyer, Samy Robert, stressed that his client had no previous criminal record. Police arrested the man in July 2025 after another assault had been reported. The court also convicted him of resisting arrest.

“

on the hunt