Bruno Martini, former world champion in 1995 and 2001 with the French handball team, was arrested and placed in police custody on Monday in a case of corruption of minors. The former goalkeeper and now president of the National Handball League, has, according to France Info who revealed the case that we are able to confirm, spent 48 hours in police custody in Paris. He will be tried on Wednesday, after admitting the facts.
The investigation was entrusted to the Paris minors protection brigade in June 2020. After months of proceedings in this investigation opened in June 2020, the police ended up arresting the former guardian of the “Barjots” Monday morning at his Parisian home. His two apartments, in Paris and Montpellier, were searched and his computer equipment was seized.
He proposed sex to a teenager
52 years old, the former player and manager of PSG hand, represented by master Elie Dottelonde, approached several teenagers via the messaging system of the social network Snapchat. Bruno Martini exchanged photos with a minor, aged 12 at the material time.
The ex-keeper then offered to come to his home, in the 16th arrondissement of the capital, for a sexual relationship. But after having discussed on the way by messages with his mother, the teenager ended up changing his mind once he arrived at the bottom of Bruno Martini’s apartment. The latter then paid him a VTC so that he could return home.
Presented to a magistrate on Wednesday
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the placement in police custody of the person concerned and his release on Tuesday evening. Bruno Martini was then referred for an appearance on prior admission of guilt (CRPC). He is currently being prosecuted for “corruption of a minor” and “recording of child pornography images”. The hearing is due to be held on Wednesday.
The former player faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros. But the CRPC allows the defendants to obtain reduced sentences. Bruno Martini must go to the prosecutor during the day for a sentencing proposal. If it is accepted, it must then be ratified by a judge during a hearing.
Emergency meetings are being held this Wednesday morning at the National Handball League, of which he was elected president in November 2021. A decision on his future at the head of the institution should be taken quickly.