**Former French Surgeon Admits Guilt in Landmark Child Abuse Case**

The trial highlights the extensive abuse perpetrated by Le Scouarnec as hundreds of victims come forward with harrowing accounts.

In a shocking admission during a high-profile trial in Vannes, Brittany, former surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec, 74, has stated that he feels "responsible" for the deaths of two of his victims, who died by suicide following their traumatic experiences of sexual abuse at his hands. Over the past weeks, the court has been presented with distressing photographs and testimonies from grieving relatives, further underscoring the profound impact of Le Scouarnec's actions.

Le Scouarnec, who claimed to have sexually abused hundreds of patients—majority of whom were minors—confessed to the court that he considers himself accountable for the fatalities of Mathias Vinet, who struggled with addiction until his death in 2021, and another unnamed victim. "They died, and I am responsible," he told court officials, reflecting on the weight of his crimes.

This trial, which has captivated France, began in late February and has revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse spanning from 1989 to 2014. Le Scouarnec had kept detailed diaries documenting the assaults on at least 299 patients, with more than 250 of those victims being under the age of 15. Many individuals reported being unaware of the abuse until they were notified by the police, who had referenced the diaries.

Throughout the proceedings, victims have recounted the deep emotional scars they bear. One victim expressed the haunting nature of her trauma, saying, "You got into my head, it's destroyed me." The harrowing testimonies have brought to light issues surrounding mental health, with many victims suffering from anxiety, dysmorphia, and addiction following their experiences.

Le Scouarnec's legal representation acknowledged the former surgeon's remorseful stance in court. His lawyer, Maxime Tessier, confirmed that Le Scouarnec had admitted to the potential of all those named in his diaries being victims. As the trial nears its conclusion, the discourse has shifted to the apparent systemic failures that allowed Le Scouarnec to continue his medical practice despite previous alerts regarding his behavior.

The National Order of Doctors has expressed regret over its failure to protect young patients, highlighting lapses in communication within the medical community. The case has raised questions about the safeguarding of children and the accountability of institutional bodies that failed to act on warnings about Le Scouarnec's preferences.

Despite being the largest child abuse trial in French history, there are concerns that it has not received adequate attention from the media or political spheres. Victim advocacy groups have voiced their frustration over this apparent oversight, emphasizing the need for substantial reforms to prevent future occurrences of such abuse.

Le Scouarnec is currently serving a 15-year sentence for multiple counts of assault and rape involving children, including two of his own nieces. He now faces the prospect of an additional 20 years if convicted on the current charges. A verdict is expected on May 28, as the nation watches closely to see how justice will be served in this unprecedented case.