23/06/2026
Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for S*xual Assault and Abuse of Animals in France
A 19-year-old man, identified only as Massoud S., has been sentenced to 30 months imprisonment following his conviction for s*xual assault and severe animal cruelty. The offences took place between February and April 2026 at Le Refuge d'un Moment, an animal sanctuary and educational farm in Pennes-Mirabeau, near Marseille.
The defendant, an asylum seeker born in Afghanistan who arrived in France in November 2025, was found guilty of abusing five goats and a six-month-old lamb. One goat subsequently died as a result of the injuries sustained.
Evidence and Arrest
Suspicions were first raised in February when staff observed physical injuries on the animals, including rope marks, trauma, and blood traces. CCTV cameras were installed, capturing footage of the perpetrator. In April, law enforcement officers intervened and arrested the man while the abuse was in progress. Despite the presence of DNA evidence and being caught in the act, Massoud S. maintained his innocence throughout the trial held at the Aix-en-Provence courthouse.
Court Proceedings
During the hearing, the defendant claimed to be a "normal person" and offered various explanations for his presence at the sanctuary, including missing a train and having nowhere else to stay. He also cited the loss of his family in Afghanistan and subsequent mental health issues as mitigating factors.
A psychiatric evaluation noted that he appeared to minimise the severity of his actions, reportedly stating, "They're making a huge fuss about it when they're just animals."
The jury deliberated for just one hour before reaching a guilty verdict.
Sentence
In addition to the prison term, the court issued an order banning Massoud S. from French territory and requiring his registration on the national database of s*xual and violent offenders.
Statement from the Sanctuary
Cassandra Sortino, owner of the sanctuary, expressed the profound impact of the events. She stated that while the legal process has concluded, the organisation continues to seek understanding of the motives behind the behaviour, adding, "We can't explain it morally. We feel like we've failed."
Media journalist - Demon Official