Didier Lombard will not spend time behind bars under French court rules. The court sentenced Lombard to a year in jail, of which eight months will be suspended, and a €15,000 ($NZ25,00) fine. Yet since that term is under two years and as Lombard does not present a danger to society, he will not spend time behind bars under French court rules. The traumatic episode of workers' deaths at the company in the late 2000s led to deep soul-searching over corporate culture in France. Lombard (77) and three other former Orange executives also accused of "moral harassment" have denied any wrongdoing and said the restructuring plan was an economic necessity.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 21, 2019 00:11 UTC