At the trial, the “Tinder rapist” needs a sentence of 19 years in prison

A very “severe” sentence – the maximum sentence given was twenty years – for someone who “destroyed 17 lives”.

This was justified, according to the chief state prosecutor, Philippe Courroye, by the number of victims the now 38-year-old photographer attracted through dating sites, and the “danger” of this “voracious self-centered hunter” who disputed all the facts.

Standing at his desk, facing the accused, the state prosecutor addressed the accused, leaning on the edge of the glass case. He told him that since last week he had “seen, heard” complainants who came to the bar with “still gaping wounds”.

But Salim Berrada remained “inflexible”, “bunkered in the concrete of his denials”: “none of these young girls were raped”. The relationships were consensual or non-existent. “Go on, you’re welcome. He’s alone against everyone,” says the magistrate.

Prosecutors, most of them in their early twenties, have come in large numbers every day since the trial began.

And this Thursday, they were pressed against each other again, while the state prosecutor went back to each of their stories to describe the almost identical modus operandi of the defendants.

The judge noted several “prominent” elements of this “exceptional case”: the “very well established, insidious, compulsive modus operandi” of the accused, the “extreme danger” of this “hunter”, “addicted to sex and rapacity”.

“He is dangerous” and “because he does not have the ability for introspection”, the judge added, reminding that he was accused of similar facts in another case. “How can you expect a change in behavior… he doesn’t recognize anything.”

Salim Berrada will have the floor last Friday afternoon after the defense’s presentation, and the verdict is expected on Friday evening.