This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/7423703.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Life sentence for French killer Life sentence for French killer
(10 minutes later)
A French court has sentenced a 66-year-old man to life in prison for murdering seven girls and young women.A French court has sentenced a 66-year-old man to life in prison for murdering seven girls and young women.
Michel Fourniret, dubbed the "Ogre of the Ardennes", had admitted kidnapping and killing them between 1987 and 2001.Michel Fourniret, dubbed the "Ogre of the Ardennes", had admitted kidnapping and killing them between 1987 and 2001.
The court, in the town of Charleville Meziere, also found his wife Monique Olivier guilty of complicity.The court, in the town of Charleville Meziere, also found his wife Monique Olivier guilty of complicity.
She was accused of helping to trap the victims - most of whom were raped. It is one of France's biggest serial killing cases in decades.She was accused of helping to trap the victims - most of whom were raped. It is one of France's biggest serial killing cases in decades.
Although he had confessed to the murders, Fourniret refused to co-operate during the two-month trial. Enigma
The victims were aged between 12 and 22. Most were killed in the Ardennes region of France and Belgium.The victims were aged between 12 and 22. Most were killed in the Ardennes region of France and Belgium.
Fourniret would spot a potential victim while driving and stop to ask for directions, then persuade the person to get into his car.
Ms Olivier's presence in the vehicle was designed to help reassure the future victim, according to the prosecution.
Correspondents say the court proceedings failed to unlock Fourniret's personality and motives.
Although he had confessed to the murders, he refused to co-operate during the two-month trial.
Fourniret was arrested in Belgium in 2003 after an attempt to kidnap a 13-year-old girl.