Businessman Bernard Maigrot will spend the evening in Beau-Bassin prison. He was found guilty this evening of the murder of the stylist Vanessa Lagesse, committed in March 2001. Elements of the Special Supporting Unit (SSU) traveled to the Assize Court this evening to transport Bernard Maigrot to Beau prison -Basin.
The businessman got into an SSU vehicle, which left the Assize Court around 10:10 p.m. Direction: Beau-Bassin prison. Bernard Maigrot will have to return to court on July 16, the date on which the pleadings on the sentence to be imposed against him will take place. Read more on www.defimedia.info
This verdict comes 23 years after the murder of the stylist. Vanessa Lagesse was found dead in her bathtub in her bungalow in Grand-Baie. After several twists and turns, the trial opened at the Assizes before Judge Luchmeeparsad Aujayeb.
Bernard Maigrot was found guilty by the jury by a majority of 7 to 2. Judge Aujayeb immediately ordered that Bernard Maigrot be incarcerated in prison. The businessman's lawyer, Mr. Gavin Glover, Senior Counsel, said he was surprised by this verdict. In a brief statement to the press, he said that the battle lasted 23 years and that it will take the time necessary to rehabilitate the innocence of Bernard Maigrot.
Vanessa Lagesse's relatives, accompanied by their lawyers, left the courtroom with tears in their eyes. Their lawyers have said they will not comment at this stage.
The prosecution was represented by Me Darshana Gayan, Senior Assistant DPP.
