Man Sentenced for Sexual Assault on Nîmes Bus

A Romanian national was sentenced to one year of immediate imprisonment by the Nîmes correctional court this Wednesday for a sexual assault that occurred on a city bus in March. The ruling includes a five-year ban from French territory and the man’s mandatory registration in the sex offender file, according to court records.

How did the bus assault occur?

Four intoxicated men sat next to two young women on a city bus in March, according to Procureur Malicot. The prosecutor stated the men used a “group effect” to approach the women.

A 20-year-old woman filed a complaint the following day. The court heard that the men took her hand, kissed her hand and cheek, and touched her buttocks. The group also took selfies with the victim during the encounter.

Procureur Malicot described the behavior as an “unacceptable” sexual aggression that the court must reject.

Did You Know? The defendant in this case is a Romanian national who requires an interpreter in court due to his limited proficiency in French.

Why was the defendant acquitted of the second charge?

The man faced a separate charge regarding an incident on Monday, June 22, 2026. A witness reported seeing a man with an open shirt touching his private parts on a public bench on Boulevard Gambetta in Nîmes.

Defense attorney Laurence Aguilar argued that nothing allowed for the incrimination of her client in this specific act of exhibitionism. Following her plea, the tribunal acquitted the man of the exhibition charge.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the prosecutor’s emphasis on the “group effect” highlights the psychological dynamics often present in public transit assaults, where perpetrators may feel emboldened by the presence of peers to isolate a victim.

What is the defendant’s personal situation?

The convicted man is a father of two children who are currently placed in a home in Nîmes. He is separated from his partner and resides in a hotel through support provided by the Red Cross.

Man convicted of assault after vicious attack on bus driver

During the proceedings, the man denied the allegations, stating in Romanian that he did nothing and disagreed with the accusations.

What happens next for the convicted man?

Because the court ordered immediate incarceration, the man will serve his one-year sentence starting this Wednesday. The five-year ban from the territory suggests he may face formal deportation proceedings after his prison term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final sentence for the bus assault?
The defendant received one year of immediate imprisonment, a five-year ban from French territory, and registration in the sex offender file.

Was the man convicted of the exhibitionism charge on Boulevard Gambetta?
No, the tribunal acquitted the man of the exhibition charge following a plea by his lawyer, Laurence Aguilar.

Who was the victim in the March bus incident?
The victim was a 20-year-old woman who was approached by four intoxicated men.

How should cities improve safety for women on public transportation?