A prominent French political scandal reached its judicial conclusion as former senator Joel Guerriau was convicted for drugging a fellow parliamentarian with ecstasy in what prosecutors characterized as a premeditated sexual assault attempt. The Paris criminal court delivered a four-year prison sentence against the 68-year-old politician, with 18 months to be served in custody and the remainder suspended.
The case centers on an November 2023 incident where Guerriau invited Sandrine Josso, a 50-year-old MP from the center-right MoDem party, to his Paris residence under the pretense of celebrating his political re-election. According to court evidence, Josso consumed champagne laced with MDMA that triggered severe physical reactions and prompted her to seek medical assistance.
Toxicology reports presented during the trial revealed Josso’s bloodstream contained triple the recreational dosage of MDMA. The parliamentarian testified about experiencing disorientation and intense vulnerability, describing how she strategically concealed her deteriorating condition to escape potential assault.
Guerriau maintained throughout proceedings that the drugging was accidental, claiming he had prepared the substance for personal use during a depressive episode but inadvertently served it to his guest. However, prosecutors highlighted concerning internet searches regarding ecstasy and GHB—a known date-rape drug—found on Guerriau’s devices.
The convicted former senator expressed remorse during testimony, stating he felt ‘disgusted with my recklessness and stupidity’ while simultaneously advocating for greater awareness about drug dangers. His legal team immediately announced plans for appeal following Tuesday’s verdict.
For Josso, the ruling represents vindication after years of psychological trauma. She has emerged as a leading voice against chemical submission—drug-facilitated sexual assault—joining advocacy groups founded by victims of similar crimes. The case has sparked renewed political discourse about substance-assisted violence in France, particularly within elite circles.