At the Assize Court of Isère
“Is it still relevant to ask Nordahl Lelandais the reasons why he kidnapped Maëlys? The question, raised on Tuesday by Jacques Dallest, general counsel of the Isère Assize Court, pretty much sums up the feeling that has prevailed since the start of the accused’s trial. What’s the point ? The short confessions, extracted on Friday evening, did not last long.
Questioned this Tuesday by the court, the former soldier reaffirmed that the girl had climbed into her car on her own. “She wanted to go see my dogs who were at my house. I did not remove it voluntarily,” he repeats, thus shattering the defense strategy put in place by his lawyer.
“He is convinced that his story is true”
Confessions should not be expected, warns psychiatrist Paul Bensussan. “The probability of knowing the truth is low. It is also unlikely that Nordahl Lelandais will say anything other than what he has already said. He has such stubbornness in his denials that he ends up believing his own version, ”analyzes the expert. “He is convinced that his story is true. He is still in denial ”, abounds his colleague, Patrick Blachère.
To confess would simply be “too violent on a psychopathological level”, emphasizes Paul Bensussan. Impossible, in other words. Because recognizing the facts and his responsibility would be the “work of a lifetime”, adds his colleague. Deeply “split”, “locked in his lies”, “propped up in a position from which it is difficult to get out”, Nordahl Lelandais is today unable to provide answers. The problem therefore seems insoluble. And the picture drawn up, very gloomy.
“High” danger and “very marked” risk of recurrence
“To do an introspection, you have to free yourself from lies. Only, the lie and the lack of empathy in psychopaths resist time, ”explains Paul Bensussan in turn. And to deliver a chilling and final conclusion: “A psychopath does not change. »
The “high” or even “very significant” dangerousness of the accused was also discussed at length by the experts. It will not attenuate or very little, they predict in unison. Even after decades behind bars. Everything will depend on the quality of his introspection.
The “risk of recidivism”? Again, psychiatrists do not hide it: it is “very marked” statistically. 44% within 7 years, 58% within 10 years. “This does not mean that the accused will necessarily start over, but these are interesting elements for the court”, Judge Patrick Blachère. A message addressed to the jurors who will have to render their verdict on February 18. Nordahl Lelandais faces life imprisonment.
Follow the rest of this trial on the Twitter account of our journalist @CaroGirardon