Former Minister of State Serge Telle has announced that he will appeal his conviction linked to the 2019 No Finish Line accident in Monaco, according to Monaco-Matin…
On December 16, the Monaco Criminal Court found Serge Telle, the Children & Future association and the race’s founder, Philippe Verdier, guilty of involuntary injuries following a serious incident during the charity event on November 23, 2019. A powerful wave struck the eastern breakwater of Fontvieille, sweeping several participants into danger and leaving one woman seriously injured after she was thrown over the harbour railing.
Six years after the events, the court handed down suspended prison sentences and fines. Serge Telle, who was Minister of State at the time, received a two-month suspended sentence and a €5,000 fine for authorising the reopening of the breakwater shortly before the accident, despite an active weather alert in the neighbouring department.
During the trial, Telle acknowledged his responsibility but maintained that his decision was taken based on the information provided to him at the time. He argued that those with technical knowledge had a duty to alert him more clearly to the risks.
As reported by Monaco-Matin, Serge Telle confirmed on December 22 that he is appealing the ruling. His lawyer stated that the former Minister of State has taken note of the judgment and will now seek a reassessment of the case by the appeal court.
