Rugby player Mohamed Haouas sentenced to 18 months in prison, nine of which are closed, for aggravated violence

Rugby player Mohamed Haouas was sentenced to 18 months in prison, including nine closed, Friday, June 30. He was prosecuted for “aggravated violence” during a fight almost 10 years ago in Hérault. This new conviction of the ex-player of Montpellier and the XV of France is in addition to a one-year prison sentence, pronounced in May for domestic violence. This makes possible the incarceration of the player, according to his lawyer, who has announced his intention to appeal.

The decision itself “is not harsh”because “we can see that he is the most virulent of all, that he deals very violent blows” during this fight which occurred on January 1, 2014, recognized Marc Gallix after the announcement of the judgment. “But the penalties are only adjustable up to one year’s imprisonment, continued the player’s lawyer, absent at the hearing. If we add today’s nine months to the 12 months for domestic violence, if I do not appeal and the sentence becomes final, he is incarcerated.

By appealing, the lawyer hopes that Mohamed Haouas will first be able to serve his one-year sentence in an adapted form (electronic bracelet or parental parole), while the court of appeal decides. This decision could take two years and would therefore prevent the rugby player from being imprisoned.