‘Crime of Passion’ defence in banker murder

A French woman alleged to have murdered her wealthy French banker lover has pleaded guilty, saying it was a crime of passion.

Edouard Stern’s family, including his divorced wife, was in court in Geneva for the start of the case. They heard sensational details of the death of the 38th richest man in France, who included President Sarkozy among his friends. Cecile Brossard met Stern in 2001. He was found dead in his Geneva penthouse four years later, having been shot four times. He was dressed in flesh-coloured latex, which police say was linked to sado-masochistic sex games. Brossard admitted arguing with him over a million dollars she wanted as proof of his affection. Murder carries a sentence of 20 years in Switzerland, while the term for a crime of passion is only ten years. A verdict is expected next week.More about: Crime, Switzerland

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