'I am a rapist': Husband makes shocking confession after allowing dozens of strangers to rape his wife

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details in this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.

The trial of one of the ugliest rape cases in the history of France came to a significant turn when the husband, who has been accused of drugging his wife and inviting dozens of strangers to rape her, admitted his crimes in court.

"I am a rapist, like everyone else in this courtroom," said the 71-year-old Dominique Pélicot as he spoke about his crimes on Tuesday(September 17) morning.

"I recognise the facts in their totality," he added.

After remaining sick for a week, the white-haired grandfather finally appeared at the Vaucluse Criminal Court in Avignon.

He has been on trial along with 50 other men who are facing the accusation of ‘aggravated rape’ of his wife Gisèle Pélicot.

The71-year-old also accepted the crimes speaking about which his own daughter called him "one of the greatest sexual predators" in recent years.

"Today, I maintain that, with the obligations we all have, I am a rapist, like everyone in this room. They cannot say otherwise," he said.

Husband speaks of alleged crimes he suffered as a child

Dominique spoke about the alleged crimes he had suffered as a child. The 71-year-oldrevealed that he was raped as a nine-year-old and had witnessed another sex attack at the age of 14.

"I remember nothing from my youth but shocks and traumas," Pélicot said.

He said that everything changed when he met his wife in his teen years.

Watch:France: Mass rape shocks nation, support pours in for survivor Gisele

"I was very happy with her," Dominiquesaid, adding that his wife was totally opposite of her mother, who was very rebellious.

"We had three children, and grandchildren, whom I never touched. I am accused of many things. We are not born perverts, we become them. Even if it is paradoxical, I have never considered my wife as an object," the accusedsaid.

Reacting to the dramatic confession of her husband in the court, Gisèle said, "For me, it is difficult to hear it. For fifty years, I lived with a man who I would never have imagined for a single second that he could do these acts. I had complete confidence in this man."

Dominique pleaded for sympathy from the court and said, "I am guilty of what I did. I subjected my wife, my children, my grandchildren to this. I regret what I did. I ask for forgiveness even if it is not forgivable."

He added that his wife "did not deserve this."

(With inputs from agencies)