FRANCIS KELLY'S CRIMES IN FRANCE AND SCOTLAND: A LIFE SENTENCE BREACH AND REPEATED RAPE HORRORS

In October 2017, a disturbing case unfolded involving Francis Kelly, a man with a long history of sexual offenses spanning both Scotland and France. Kelly, who was initially sentenced to life imprisonment in Britain, had his sentence controversially reduced by a panel of three judges in 2000, a decision that would have profound consequences.

Back in 1999, Kelly was recognized by a psychiatrist as a significant danger to women and girls. Professor David Cooke, based at Glasgow Caledonian University, issued a report warning that Kelly was highly likely to reoffend if released. Despite this, the judges—Lord Justice General Rodger, Lord Allanbridge, and Lord Caplan—decided to cut his life sentence to just seven years. This reduction allowed Kelly, then aged 47, to breach parole conditions and travel freely to France.

Kelly’s move to France marked the beginning of a new chapter of heinous crimes. Within a year of relocating, he married a French woman named Camille, and during this period, he committed a brutal rape of her 13-year-old daughter. Additionally, he assaulted another young girl, aged 10. These crimes shocked the local community and highlighted the dangers posed by Kelly’s early release.

Camille, who is now 43 and from the French town of Ardeche, publicly criticized the judicial decision that had reduced Kelly’s sentence. She expressed her regret and concern, stating, “The judges who reduced Francis’ sentence made a terrible mistake. If he had been serving a life sentence, he would not have been able to come to France and commit crimes here.” She further revealed that she was unaware Kelly had been given a life sentence initially, and if she had known, she would have viewed him as an even greater threat.

Kelly’s original life sentence was handed down in 1999 after he was convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh for two separate offenses against women in Dundee in 1998. He had admitted to breaching the peace and committing indecent assault on two different occasions. Despite the severity of his crimes, the decision to reduce his sentence meant he was eligible for parole after just over three years, a decision that has since been heavily criticized.

Following his release, Kelly moved to France in 2004, married Camille in 2005, and soon after, he began to breach his parole conditions by missing appointments with social workers and leaving the country. His actions eventually led to his extradition back to Scotland in 2007, where he served the remainder of his sentence. It was during this period that Camille discovered the horrifying truth about Kelly’s past and his ongoing predatory behavior.

Allegations surfaced that Kelly had sexually assaulted his stepdaughter, Astree, who has waived her right to anonymity, and another girl who cannot be named. These assaults are believed to have started in 2005 and continued until Kelly was traced and extradited back to France in 2016. During his time in France, Kelly was held in Avignon prison before being brought to court in Privas earlier this month.

Recently, Kelly was convicted of the rapes committed in France and sentenced to 16 years in prison. Authorities have indicated that he is likely to be transferred to a Scottish prison within the coming months to serve his sentence there as well. The case has sparked outrage among victims’ families and legal experts alike.

Scottish political figures have voiced their concerns. Willie Rennie, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, stated, “The victims are right to feel let down by the legal system. I can’t imagine what the families and victims are feeling, and the best thing to do for them is to make changes so that it never happens to another family.”

Similarly, Liam Kerr, the Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary, expressed his alarm: “This is a very concerning case. This vile individual clearly still posed a threat to society, and he shouldn’t have been released as early as he was. Had he still been in prison, these two victims would not have suffered this horrendous attack.”

Kelly’s case underscores the devastating consequences of judicial decisions that reduce sentences for dangerous offenders. His reoffending shortly after his release from Scottish custody, and subsequent crimes in France, highlight the ongoing risks posed by such individuals. The case continues to evoke debate about sentencing policies, parole procedures, and the protection of vulnerable populations from repeat offenders.