Toulouse. Of a refusal to obey the possession of firearms: two years for the defendant
In Toulouse, after arresting a man for a traffic check the night between August 9 and 10, the police will eventually find weapons and drugs in his home. A case of Russian dolls, which ends for the defendant with two years in prison.
There are cases like this: “The more we scratch in the file, the more we find”, to use the words of the public prosecutor, Christophe Raoult, this Thursday, August 11. They begin with a refusal to comply and end with the discovery of drugs and firearms in the driver’s home.
The defendant, kept in detention since the events, stands in the dressing room of the Toulouse judicial court. When the president lists the facts of which he is accused, he tries to justify everything. However, the list is long: refusal to comply and possession of narcotics (on two occasions), concealment of a vehicle, possession of firearms and driving under the influence of alcohol. The facts date back to two previous nights, when, around 5 a.m., a vehicle passed a police checkpoint at high speed, at the exit of the Ponts Jumaux ring road, towards the city center. He refuses to comply and engages in a chase during which he nearly hits a cyclist and a truck. The car was stolen and only stops at the police station. The driver, alone in the vehicle, ended up: “I didn’t know the car was stolen, I got tricked!” He says straight away.
Two guns at home
At his home, the police discover the cannabis resin, a small scale and, in the wardrobe of his room, a rifle and a shotgun. “They are not mine, otherwise they would have been charged, he justifies himself, further aggravating his situation. “These are only muddy excuses, sir,” said the prosecutor in his requisition. Against him, he requires two and a half years in prison plus six months for the first refusal which dates from July 19, which would be added to a 5-year ban on carrying weapons on him.
“Madam President, begins the defense lawyer, this man deals, but is not a trafficker! His belongings may very well belong to people other than my client. He needs help, not one,” the detention warrants.
After deliberation, the man will remain in detention for two years and his license will be revoked. The ban on carrying weapons required by the prosecutor is also accepted.