World · Europe · 5 hrs ago
Driver acquitted over pedestrian’s death in Guipry-Messac
A court in Rennes acquitted a 45-year-old driver charged over a fatal crash in Guipry-Messac, western France.
On 23 March 2024, the driver struck 75-year-old Gisèle at a pedestrian crossing as she turned left in a Renault van.
Gisèle died in hospital four days later from her injuries.
The driver said sunlight blinded her as she turned, so she did not see Gisèle crossing in time.
Prosecutors had sought a suspended prison sentence and the loss of the driver's licence, but the court said the evidence left significant doubt about whether she was at fault.
The acquittal does not end the case: prosecutors have said they will appeal, and a new trial is expected.
A Rennes criminal court acquitted a 45-year-old driver charged over the death of a 75-year-old pedestrian in Guipry-Messac.
The court said evidence presented by the defence left “sufficiently significant doubt” about whether the driver had committed a fault.
The collision happened at a pedestrian crossing on Rue de la Résistance shortly before 10 a.m. on 23 March 2024.
The pedestrian, identified as Gisèle, died four days later from her injuries at Rennes’ Pontchaillou University Hospital.
The prosecutor had sought a suspended prison sentence and driving penalties, and announced an appeal against the acquittal.
- Who
- A 45-year-old driver and Gisèle, a 75-year-old pedestrian.
- What
- The driver was acquitted of involuntary manslaughter after Gisèle died from injuries sustained in a collision.
- When
- The collision happened shortly before 10 a.m. on 23 March 2024; the acquittal was issued on 15 October 2026.
- Where
- Rue de la Résistance in Guipry-Messac, Ille-et-Vilaine; the case was heard in Rennes.
- Why
- The court said the defence evidence left sufficiently significant doubt about whether the driver had committed a fault.
The prosecution
The defence
Liability
The prosecution
The prosecutor argued the driver should be found guilty and that no force majeure excused the simple fault.
The defence
The defence argued that the evidence left doubt about whether the driver had committed a fault.
Outcome
The prosecution
The prosecutor sought a suspended prison sentence, cancellation of the driver’s licence and a six-month ban on retaking the test.
The defence
The defence sought acquittal, which the court granted.
Shortly before 10 a.m., the driver struck Gisèle at a pedestrian crossing on Rue de la Résistance in Guipry-Messac.
Gisèle died from her injuries at Pontchaillou University Hospital in Rennes.
The Rennes criminal court acquitted the driver, and the prosecutor announced an appeal.
- Driver
- 45 years old
- Pedestrian
- Gisèle, 75 years old
- Collision date
- 23 March 2024
- Collision location
- Rue de la Résistance, Guipry-Messac
- Court ruling
- Acquittal on 15 October 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
C'est quand j'ai tourné que j'ai vu quelqu'un devant moi, mais c'était trop tard