The surveillance camera footage of the 25-year-old man attacking Marie Laguerre , a 22-year-old student, outside a cafe in July went viral after she posted the video on social media. It showed him picking up an ashtray and hurling it at her and then hitting her across the face. The defendant, who has already served prison time for pimping and violence against his mother, admitted to the physical attack but denied making lewd remarks. Reacting to the ruling Laguerre hailed it as "balanced" and said she was particularly glad her attacker had been ordered to attend an anti-sexism course. French lawmakers in August passed a new law against sexist violence which makes catcalling in the street a crime punishable with on-the-spot fines.

Source: The Local October 04, 2018 18:45 UTC