Olympic equestrian champion Kevin Staut released, his convicted ex-partner appeals – Liberation

The French number one golden show jumper at the Rio Olympics and the Norwegian international rider Marie Valdar Longem accused each other of violence. A decision rendered this Thursday, February 22, vindicates the first cited.

Five months before the Games, Kevin Staut can officially get back in the saddle and glimpse Versailles, where the Olympic equestrian events will take place. The one who was a show jumping gold medalist in Rio in 2016 has just been released this Thursday, February 22, while his ex-partner, the Norwegian international rider Marie Valdar Longem, was convicted in a trial in Lisieux where both accused each other of violence, we learned from their respective lawyers.

During the hearing, on January 18, the debates revolved around an argument in a hotel room in Bordeaux on the sidelines of a competition, on the night of February 2 to 3 February 2023, Marie Valdar Longem having unlocked her companion’s phone to read his messages out of jealousy, and wanting him to get it back.

Marie Valdar Longem, 32, accused Kevin Staut of having then headbutted her in the face to retrieve her phone, causing a nosebleed and loss of consciousness. Thesis denied by Kevin Staut, 43, who in return accused the young woman of having sat on a knee that she knew was painful, aggravating her injury, and of having injured herself in the face wishing to get up while he kept her on the ground.

The Lisieux criminal court therefore ruled in favor of the Frenchman, while the Norwegian rider was sentenced to a fine of 1,500 euros, reports Me Fanny Colin, the lawyer for Kevin Staut. A “higher” sentence than that which had been required, underlines Me Colin.

“Stupor”

At the end of the hearing, the public prosecutor requested six months of training to raise awareness of gender-based violence for the two complainants and defendants. “The legitimate fight for the protection of women victims of violence must not obliterate those that some may commit. The innocence of Kevin Staut is recognized here and his honor restored,” adds Me Colin.

On the side of the defense of Marie Valdar Longem, led by Me Antonin Lévy, we expressed the “stupor and total incomprehension” of the rider in the face of the attack. decision of the court, “despite the numerous elements provided […] who highlighted the contradictions.”

The Norwegian rider decided to appeal. “Disappointment does not alter the determination of the woman in her fight for the protection of other women, assures her council, nor that of the champion a few months before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”