In Vannes, France, on February 25th, the son of retired French surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec, facing accusations of rape and sexual assault, described his father as a good parent but condemned the alleged crimes as unforgivable.
During the trial's second day, the elder son likened his father, 74, to "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde," referencing the character from the 19th-century novella, acknowledging his father's dual nature. He expressed conflicted feelings stating, "I can't hate him because I have nothing to criticize him about as a father. But I can't forgive him for what he may have done."
Although Le Scouarnec is not accused of abusing his own children, he was previously convicted in 2020 for raping and assaulting four children, including two nieces. The current trial marks France's most extensive case of pedocriminality, spanning 25 years of alleged abuses against patients from 1989 to 2014.
Admitting his actions during the trial's commencement on Monday, Le Scouarnec acknowledged his actions as "beyond repair."
In a disturbing revelation, the elder son divulged that his late paternal grandfather had also abused and raped him, elaborating on the childhood trauma he endured at a young age.
The younger son, aged 38, expressed disbelief over the situation, noting, "For us, it seemed completely crazy that someone could act like that towards so many people."
In an emotional exchange with his younger son during the trial, Le Scouarnec tearfully expressed regret and affection, acknowledging the potential irreparable damage caused to their relationship.
Both sons painted a picture of a mostly happy and privileged childhood, stating that their father had not abused them. The younger son shared, "I had a happy childhood and very good memories of my father. I haven't been in touch with him since 2017 because I want to preserve that image of him."