Monaco Chef Receives Reduced Sentence After Assaulting Partner

In a recent incident of domestic violence in Monaco, a chef employed by SBM was handed a reduced sentence after assaulting his Ukrainian partner in their Boulevard de Belgique residence on January 23, an event witnessed by her children. The altercation, initially sparked by a heated argument fueled by alcohol, escalated into physical violence, including facial blows and strangulation, alarming neighbors who swiftly called the Sûreté publique.

During the court hearing, presided over by Judge Florestan Bellinzona, the chef’s statements revealed a troubling desire to control, highlighted by his assertion that he could do whatever he wished with his partner. Despite attempting to downplay his actions as mere temper loss, the severity of the assault was underscored by the presence of children and the psychological dominance he exhibited. The prosecution, represented by Emmanuelle Carniello, argued vehemently against treating a person as a possession, suggesting a twelve-month sentence with mandatory treatment and probation.

Ultimately, the court issued a nine-month probation sentence to the chef, citing a low risk of repeat offense. This decision has sparked discussions on the adequacy of legal responses to domestic violence and the necessity for effective therapeutic interventions. The case continues to stir debate among Monaco’s judiciary and advocacy groups regarding the balance between punitive measures and rehabilitation in domestic violence cases, emphasizing the broader implications for societal and legal norms concerning such personal crimes.