FRANCE’S most notorious serial rapist has been summoned for questioning over an unsolved murder of a young woman.
Dominique Pelicot, 72, has been dragged out of his hellhole prison cell and is due to speak to specialist “cold case” magistrates in Paris on Thursday.
Dominique, who was labelled the “Beast of Avignon”, has spent the past month in solitary confinement after being found guilty of the aggravated rape of his ex-wife, Gisele Pelicot.
He drugged his loyal wife for almost a decade and allowed over 50 men he met on the internet to rape and sexually abuse her against her will.
Pelicot is currently locked away in a high security prison close to the southern city of Avignon.
An investigating source in Paris told the BFM news channel: “Dominique Pelicot has been summoned for questioning this Thursday, January 30, by the cold case unit of the Nanterre Judicial Court.
“He will therefore be taken from his cell in the detention centre where he is serving a 20-year sentence for the aggravated rapes committed on his ex-wife Gisele Pelicot.”
Pelicot will specifically be questioned at length about the rape and murder of Sophie Narme, a 23-year-old estate agent, who died in 1991 in greater Paris.
And he will also be asked about the attempted rape of another estate agent identified only as Marion, 18, who was attacked in the same area in 1999.
Both attacks happened close to where Pelicot was living with his wife and three children at the time.
His DNA was put on a national database following his arrest over the crimes involving his wife, and this has led to him being linked with both the Narme and Marion case.
Another investigating source said: ‘Pelicot is linked to at least four unsolved cases of sexual violence and a murder at the moment, and these two are currently being prioritised.’
The escalation in the enquiry means that Pelicot could soon be facing futher criminal trials.
Investigating Judge Nathalie Turquey, one of three magistrates in the cold case unit of the Nanterre Judicial Court, in the northern Paris suburbs, signed the latest summons.
Pelicot denies any involvement in the murder of Sophie Narme.
He initially confessed to the Marion attempted rape, after his DNA linked him with it, but he now denies any involvement, said at least two investigating sources.
Pelicot’s lead defence lawyer, Béatrice Zavarro, said she did not wish to comment on his latest summons.
A TOTAL of 51 convictions were delivered in sentencing for the horrific Pelicot mass rape trial on December 19, in Avignon, France.
They included:
Dominique Pelicot – 20 years
Romain Vandevelde – 15 years
Charly Arbo, Jerome Vilela, Dominique Davies – 13 years
Jean-Pierre Marechal, Thierry Parisis, Cedric Grassot, Hassan Ouamou – 12 years
Fabien Sotton – 11 years
Joan Kawai, Nizar Hamida, Karim Sebaoui, Vincent Coullet, Jean-Luc LA- 10 years
Christian Lescole, Husamettin Dogan, Simone Mekenese, Cendric Venzin, Cyril Delville, Redouane Azougagh – 9 years
Lionel Rodriguez, Cyrille Delville, Boris Moulin, Nicolas Francois, Thierry Parisis, Redouane Azougagh, Jean Tirano, Mohamed Rafaa, Mahdi D, Ahmed Tbarik, Patrice Nicolle, Gregory Serviol, Abdelali Dallal, Paul Grovogui, Omar Douiri – 8 years
Ludovick Blemeur, Quentin Hennebert, Mathieu Dartus, Florian Rocca – 7 years
Andy Rodriguez, Adrien Longeron, Jean-Marc LeLoup, Patrick Aron, Cyprien Aron – 6 years
Jacques Cubeau, Philippe Leleu, Hughes Malago, Didier Sambuchi – 5 years
Joseph Cocco, Saifeddine Ghabi – 3 years
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
STEVEN GERRARD is set to be sacked by Al Ettifaq, according to reports.
The former Liverpool captain’s side are languishing near the relegation zone in the Saudi Pro League.
Gerrard is facing increasing calls for his exit, according to reports from Spanish outlet Marca.
Al Ettifaq have slumped to 12th in the table after winning just five of their 17 league games this season.
Gerrard picks up a reported £15.2m a year in the Gulf state, but his star-studded side are in the midst of a poor run of form.
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
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SHAMED Strictly star Wynne Evans faces a desperate fight to hold onto his career after a string of blunders.
The renowned opera singer, 53, was axed from the Strictly arena tour yesterday for an inappropriate sexual joke he made to Janette Manrara, 41, and Jamie Borthwick at a media photocall.
Gaffe-prone Wynne alluded to a threesome by using the term “spit roast”, outraging fans of the show and prompting bosses to remove him from the production.
It followed an incident early in last year’s series when he was criticised for placing his hand on dance partner Katya Jones‘ midriff before she quickly removed it – though both insist there was no issue.
Wynne has now taken leave of absence from his BBC Wales radio show and split from his girlfriend, while his lucrative £1m deal with GoCompare is also in doubt.
Yesterday he issued a statement apologising for his behaviour in which he said he is entering a period of self-reflection.
Top crisis PR Mark Borkowski, who has previously worked for the likes of Prince and Led Zeppelin during his 35 year career, is the man tasked with saving Wynne’s tarnished reputation.
Borkowski transparently outlines his top tips for helping a bruised media personality on his website in a ‘crisis reel’.
Helpfully breaking down the strategy into an eight-step plan, Borkowski insists good can come from any crisis.
Using Prince Andrew’s disastrous Newsnight interview about his association with Jeffery Epstein as a case in point, Borkowski insists there are “softer ways” to get a message across.
The royal got himself tied up in knots with interviewer Emily Maitlis, bizarrely insisting one of the reasons he couldn’t have sexually assaulted a then 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre as she claimed is because he can’t sweat.
With social media providing a permanent record of all that is said, Borkowski says that backtracking in the modern age is impossible, so why not hold your hands up and play on public sympathies?
He warned about having a ‘God complex’ while referencing plane-making giants Boeing, who he suggests viewed itself as bigger than past scandals it was embroiled in.
Patience is always a virtue, especially so in crisis management. The PR guru espouses the importance of confidence and striving towards an end goal.
Citing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s post-Megsit fallout as an example, the famous couple set about rebranding themselves as cultural figures by releasing Netflix content and books.
Borkowski advises clients to set the tone of the wider conversation; don’t be reactive, but get ahead and lead the agenda.
Borkowski’s remaining key advice consists of the following: don’t deny problems, never blame others, don’t underestimate groupthink, and ending with optimism, there are always comeback opportunities.
His website proudly displays successful cases including the famous neighbour row between guitar hero Jimmy Page and Robbie Williams after the pop star sought to develop his property.
The firm encouraged Page to let the media into his home to see just how the building work would affect the historic mansion. Borkowski credits this transparency with helping turn the tide of public opinion as well as the local council.
It remains to be seen if his know how is enough to protect Evans’ media career though.
For the tenor’s part, his new BBC show with Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page in which they explore their home country remains on screens, suggesting a way forward.
With that said, even though he claims to have the support of a number of Strictly stars, Wynne’s pal Joanna isn’t following him on Instagram, hasn’t spoken in support of him publicly and has kept mentions of him during promotional social media posts to a minimum.
It certainly seems like there are personal rifts to heal as well as professional.
‘Grope’
Wynne encountered a backlash after his Strictly pro partner Katya was filmed removing his hand from her waist.
Fans insisted she looked uncomfortable as she moved it away – but Katya later insisted there was no problem.
In joke
They then sparked further fury, when she was seen refusing to high-five the Opera singer.
The duo were quick to issue a video apology and insisted it was all an innocent “inside joke”.
Crude joke
Wynne came under fire for allegedly telling a “crude” joke to one of the show’s make-up artists.
Insiders claim the opera star made a joke that the folds of his double chin “looked like a vagina”.
A source said: “It was a bit of a vulgar dad joke.”
Vile comment
Wynne was recorded suggesting a three-way sex session with presenter Janette Manrara, using the term “spit roast”.
His remark came at a photocall to launch the Strictly live tour, which pro Janette, 41, is hosting.
He reportedly pulled a suggestive face at actor Jamie Borthwick as Janette moved between them — which is when Evans allegedly made the joke.
Wynne has apologised saying: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”
A FASHION fan has found the perfect professional outfit for classy occasions – and it’s a bargain price.
Yvonne O’Connor, who goes by @stridetostyle on Instagram, posts affordable outfits to her followers.
This time, the shopper has crafted the perfect suit for a professional look.
She took to social media to alert shoppers to where they can steal her style.
Yvonne said: “Part 1 of my @dunnesstores try-on.
“This beautiful off white trouser suit would be a great option for any upcoming event.
“I paired with a beautiful dusky pink lace detail camisole to finish the look.
“Ruched sleeve blazer €35. Matching trousers €25. Lace camisole €20. I’m wearing a medium/size 12 in everything.”
Yvonne posed in the Rouched Sleeve Blazer from Dunnes Stores along with matching trousers.
Although some ladies’ suits can cost a fortune, her entire ensemble can be got for €80.
It means that shoppers can get their hands on a luxury outfit without breaking the bank.
The blazer costs €35 and comes in the shade natural but can also be found in black.
It can be found in sizes XS up to XL and is a classy piece that can be paired with almost anything.
The blazer features elbow-length sleeves, a thin lapel for a chic look, and two faux front pockets.
Yvonne also wore the matching trousers, called the Crepe Wide Leg Trousers.
The flattering piece can be found in both cream and black and are available online and in shops now.
The trousers cost €25 and come in sizes eight up to 22.
They feature a button close and a seam down the front to pull the look together.
Fashion bosses called the trousers “cosy”.
An official description of the item reads: “Create the perfect professional wardrobe with these wide leg trousers.
“Cut from crepe fabric, they feature a zip fly, pockets, and an elasticated waistband for a cosy fit.”
Yvonne finished off the outfit by adding a small pink camisole with a lace detail at the top.
She said: “Oh, this is beautiful. This is a very classy suit.
“For 80 euros all in, it’s absolutely beautiful.”
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.