A few days ago we were walking round town, minding our own business when a young lady approached us, stuck a microphone on my face and asked,

"Do you live locally? Have you heard about the Fourniret trial?"

I told her we lived near and, yes, we knew about the trial. The local paper has been full of it. Two notorious serial murderers moved to the prison  to be tried in Mezieres from tomorrow: the resultant disruption to parking has already been well broadcast and they estimate the total cost could be over a billion euros.

She held the microphone closer to my face.

"Can you tell me what you think about it then?"

I wanted to let rip with my feelings about a lifelong rapist and murderer whose first conviction dates back to when he was 25 (he's now in his 60's) and how he could be allowed to get away with it for so long - and how, if he's proved guilty, they should lock him up in a deep dark cellar and throw away the key. . . . . .

But my French deserted me and I could only babble about how terrible it must be for the victim's parents to have to sit through this all over again, listening to such a monster going over his crimes.

Hopefully, it was not a live programme and no-one will actually hear what I said.

But, tomorrow, Michel Founiret starts his trial for the kidnap, rape and murder of about seven of his victims.

His wife, Monique Olivier, in an attempt to make things easier for herself, has accused him of twelve murders but, since she was a party to 'befriending' and enticing some of the victims into their trap, she is also on trial.

Fourniret himself has already 'helped' the police by explaining where certain remains were hidden but, so far, he has been a difficult, slippery and crafty customer.

In some of his previous convictions he actually had suspended sentences (!!!) but, if French justice is to retain any credibility I should think they will have to keep him behind bars for the rest of his life.

The people of Charleville can't be too happy about this high profile case unfolding on their doorstep but they'll have to put up with it for the next few months.

It is mentioned on the BBC website here.