'It is not up to us to be ashamed, it is up to them to be ashamed'

Wife speaks out at Monster of Avignon rape trial

- Peter Allen

THE French woman at the centre of the Monster of Avignon multiple rape trial has addressed her abusive ex-husband for the first time in court, telling him: "You chose the depths of the human soul."

Gisèle Pélicot, 72, yesterday gave evidence that could lead Dominique Pélicot, 71, and 49 other men, all accused of "aggravated rape", to be jailed for life.

Pélicot has admitted at the Vaucluse Criminal Court in Avignon, southeastern France, to drugging his wife so others could rape and abuse her over a 10-year period.

On the trial's 35th day, Ms Pélicot said: "I wanted all women who were victims of rape to be able to say to themselves 'Ms Pélicot did it, so we can do it'.