Digne-les-Bains – 02.06.2026: Guillaume Bucci, a 51-year-old former bank director, was sentenced on May 23, 2026, by the criminal court of Digne-les-Bains to 25 years in prison. The sentence is based on the accusation that Bucci mistreated, raped, and forced his ex-partner Laëtitia R. into prostitution for a period of seven years. Bucci announced that he will not appeal the sentence, which has therefore become final.
Laëtitia R., 42 years old, mother of four children, reported in court that Bucci subjected her not only to physical violence but also to psychological manipulation. He repeatedly threatened her with death to force her into prostitution. Over the years of abuse, she had to perform sexual acts against her will with almost 500 men. She kept a detailed record of the abuses she suffered, which was submitted as evidence in court.
The prosecution emphasized in its indictment the severity and duration of the crimes, requesting a long prison sentence. The defense argued that Bucci suffers from psychological disorders and should be punished with a lighter sentence. The court did not accept these arguments and imposed the maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
The Bucci case has attracted widespread attention in France and sparked a public debate on the protection of victims of domestic violence and sexual exploitation. The severe sentence aims to send a signal that such crimes will be punished rigorously and the guilty held accountable.
Laëtitia R. has been publicly committed for a long time to breaking the silence of victims. She invites anyone who has experienced violence to come forward and seek help in order to raise awareness of the problem and strengthen prevention.
Platforms dedicated to the protection of victims of domestic violence and support for sexual exploitation see the sentence as confirmation of their commitment. State institutions are called upon to strengthen existing protection mechanisms and to pursue crimes with determination.
The case once again highlights the importance of intensifying preventive measures and raising awareness in society. The French justice system has the task of firmly punishing the guilty and effectively protecting the victims to maintain trust in the rule of law.
Bucci’s renunciation of an appeal speeds up the execution of the sentence, which is interpreted as a clear signal against domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Society must continue to take action to prevent such crimes, better support victims, and effectively deter offenders.
Sources
- Franceinfo