Bruno Martini knows his pain. According to our information, the president of the National Handball League, placed in police custody on Monday, will be sentenced this Wednesday to a one-year suspended prison sentence for corruption of a minor, possession and acquisition of child pornography images. The former goalkeeper of the French handball team, world champion in 1995 and 2001, accepted the sentence proposed by the prosecutor of the Paris court as part of an appearance on prior recognition of guilt (CRPC). He also receives a fine of 2,500 euros and a five-year ban on practicing with minors. The sentence must now be confirmed in the afternoon during a hearing before a judge.
Bruno Martini was the subject of an investigation opened in June 2020 by the Paris public prosecutor’s office and entrusted to the brigade for the protection of minors (BPM). The ex-player and general manager of PSG Handball had, at that time, discussed via Snapchat with several minors. He used this social network to exchange with a teenager, aged 12 at the time, naked photos. Bruno Martini had then invited him to his Parisian home for a sexual relationship, without knowing, according to him, the precise age of his interlocutor. The teenager would have changed his mind once at the bottom of the former player’s building before returning home in a VTC paid for by the ex-handball player.
“He recognizes the facts and regrets them”
Arrested on Monday, Bruno Martini was referred Tuesday evening for his CRPC. He was prosecuted for corruption of a minor and possession of child pornography. “These were agreed exchanges, without constraint, and without consideration, underlines his lawyer, Me Elie Dottelonde. Mr. Martini recognizes the facts, regrets them, and will assume his responsibility. The CRPC procedure, accepted by the prosecution, shows that it is not a monster. I also regret that my client did not benefit from the secrecy of the investigation. »
The plea-guilty procedure makes it possible to obtain reduced sentences for the convicted. Bruno Martini risked up to five years in prison in this case. Having arrived at the head of the National Handball League in 2021, his future at the helm of the body is under discussion but seems doomed.*
“Like everyone this morning, I am deeply shocked by this information which the justice system has seized. Handball authorities quickly mobilized and met at 1 p.m. around an exceptional NHL steering committee, in the presence of the French handball federation, Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra explained on Twitter. I have full confidence in the fact that they will take all the necessary decisions, both in terms of disciplinary sanctions and the future of governance. »
“I obviously have a very moved thought for the young boy and his family who, at the time of the alleged facts, had the good reflex to contact the police. I give them my full support,” concludes the Minister.