Monster of Avignon rape trial is at risk of COLLAPSE as judge rules defendant who drugged his wife so strangers could sexually abuse her is too ill to attend court until at least next week

The trial in France of a retired electrician who drugged his wife and invited dozens of strangers to rape his wife was in risk of collapse tonight after the judge announced the defendant was so ill he would not be able to attend court until Monday at the earliest.

Dominique Pelicot has admitted giving his wife Gisele powerful sedatives to render her unconscious and then sneak men into their home in a village in Provence to attack her.

The testimony of the 71-year-old has twice been postponed this week after he was rushed to hospital suffering a suspected bladder infection.

But this afternoon Judge Roger Arata dramatically told the court that Pelicot’s health had deteriorated and he would not be fit enough to attend court until Monday at the earliest.

Judge Arata said: ‘Mr Pelicot’s health has deteriorated.

‘He requires medical treatment and will be unable to attend court for the rest of this week.

‘He will not return to court before Monday at the earliest.’

Judge Arata told the court that the trial would continue with evidence heard against other defendants for the rest of the day and tomorrow morning.

Pelicot’s lawyer Beatrice Zavarro told the court that her client’s deteriorating health had been compounded by prison staff who failed to act when he first became unwell on Friday.

Judge Arata warned all the interested parties – including lawyers acting for Madame Pelicot – that the case is likely to be adjourned until Pelicot, the main defendant, is well enough to attend court.

More to follow.