A British man has been handed a prison sentence for threatening and assaulting a police officer in Monaco. The incident occurred on Thursday, August 15, at the Nyx Monte-Carlo club on Rue des Citronniers, when the 33-year-old, visibly intoxicated, became aggressive after a police officer intervened to assist his girlfriend, who had been excessively drinking and became unwell.
During the altercation, the man kicked the officer in the genitals and threatened to kill him as they were leaving the establishment. The officer was attending to the man’s girlfriend until emergency services arrived to transport her to the Princess Grace Hospital Centre, and the man was promptly apprehended and appeared in court handcuffed.
Judge Jérôme Fougeras Lavergnolle addressed the defendant’s behaviour, noting his loss of control despite having a relatively low blood alcohol level of 0.59 mg/l. The defendant, a real estate entrepreneur, expressed his apologies through an interpreter, explaining that the incident was a result of confusion, fear, and excessive drinking during his vacation in Monaco. He admitted to becoming overly aggressive and attempted to free himself from the handcuffs by manoeuvering his arms.
Prosecutor Stéphane Thibault condemned the man’s actions, emphasising the importance of respecting law enforcement officers, and sought a six-month prison sentence, five of which would be suspended, along with a 15,000 euro fine and a two-year ban from the Principality.
The defence argued for leniency, highlighting the man’s remorse, the effects of alcohol, and a language barrier that contributed to his outburst. They requested a reduction in the incarceration time and opposed the residence ban.
Ultimately, the criminal court sentenced the man to six months in prison, with five months suspended. He was also fined 10,000 euros, banned from Monaco for six months, and ordered to pay 1,000 euros in damages. The defendant has the right to appeal the decision within fifteen days.
