“THANK You Gisele,” a huge banner read opposite the Avignon courtroom today as Gisele Pelicot watched her rapist husband Dominique sentenced to 20 years behind bars.

Mr Pelicot received the maximum sentence for aggravated rape under French law after admitting he had drugged his wife over years, knocking her out and recruiting strangers online who abused her while he filmed the process. At 72, he may die in jail.

All 50 men accused of the rape or sexual assault of Ms Pelicot in a trial which has shaken France got jail sentences, ranging from three to 15 years, though prosecutors said they felt many of the sentences were too lenient.