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Check FAQAbout Rory
Freelance journalist based in Paris, France. I write news and features for UK, Irish and Australian publications, The Local France, GQ magazine, the Irish Times and various other media. Previously worked for many years for Agence France-Presse, covering French news as well as reporting from war zones in Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and Israel/Palestinian territories. Also covered Cannes film festivals. See here for previous work: http://muckrack.com/dogphone/articles
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Portfolio
Joanna Parrish's family leaves court as killer's widow recounts murder
The family of Joanna Parrish, including her parents and boyfriend, left a Paris court as Monique Olivier, widow of serial killer Michel Fourniret, recounted the murder of Joanna in 1993. Olivier described her role in luring Joanna into a van and the subsequent attack by Fourniret, who had an obsession with virgins. Olivier, on trial for her involvement in the kidnapping and murders, expressed regret for her actions. The court was shown photos of Joanna before and after her murder, and Olivier claimed to be haunted by the victims' faces. The trial revealed that Fourniret and Olivier had already begun their murder spree by the time they encountered Joanna, who had advertised her services as an English tutor. Olivier is serving a life sentence with a minimum of 28 years for other murders, while Fourniret died in 2021.
Australian bushfires: French town help fundraise for bushfire relief
The town of Villers-Bretonneux in France, historically connected to Australia through World War I, has launched a fundraiser to support Australian bushfire relief. Mayor Patrick Simon initiated the effort, which has raised significant funds, including contributions from Beauval Zoo and the French branch of the World Wildlife Fund. The funds will aid Cobargo, New South Wales, a town severely affected by the fires. The initiative underscores the enduring bond between Villers-Bretonneux and Australia, with local children also participating by creating drawings and songs to support the cause.
‘Shocking’ violence as Paris police clear migrant camp
France's interior minister expressed shock over violent police actions during the dismantling of a migrant camp in Paris, where officers clashed with migrants and journalists. The incident, which involved the use of tear gas and dispersal grenades, has sparked criticism from local officials and human rights advocates. The event highlights ongoing tensions over migrant camps in Paris and the controversial new law restricting the filming of police officers.
Widow of French 'Ogre of Ardennes' is found GUILTY of aiding her serial killer husband murder women including Brit student Joanna Parrish
Monique Olivier, the widow of French serial killer Michel Fourniret, has been found guilty of aiding her husband in the abduction, rape, and murder of multiple women, including British student Joanna Parrish. Olivier, already serving a life sentence for complicity in other murders, was sentenced to another life term for her role in these crimes. The court in Nanterre concluded that Olivier was the 'perfect accomplice' to Fourniret, who died in 2021. The trial highlighted the failures of the French legal system in investigating these crimes, with victims' families expressing both relief and frustration. The case underscores the enduring impact of Fourniret's crimes and the ongoing quest for justice by the victims' families.
Pierrette was Lord Lucan's first nanny and saw the hatred at the heart of the peer's marriage. Now in her first ever interview she says: I'm haunted by the belief my sacking led to Britain's most notorious fugitive bludgeoning a nanny to death
On the night of November 7, 1974, Lord Lucan allegedly attempted to kill his estranged wife but mistakenly bludgeoned the nanny, Sandra Rivett, to death. Pierrette Goletto, the family's previous nanny, provides a detailed account of the dysfunctional Lucan household, describing the animosity between Lord and Lady Lucan and the impact on their children. Pierrette, who was dismissed shortly before the murder, expresses guilt and doubts about Lord Lucan's involvement. The article revisits the sensational unsolved crime, incorporating Pierrette's unique perspective and the official Scotland Yard report naming Lord Lucan as the killer.
The champagne boss who frolicked in Paris sex clubs and the lover who threatened to cut off his 'zizi': DAVID JONES investigates Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger and a scandal that couldn't be more French
Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, the honorary president of the Taittinger champagne house, is embroiled in a scandal involving his former lover, Samira L., who threatened him with violence after their affair ended. The affair, which included visits to Paris sex clubs, has had significant personal and professional repercussions for Taittinger. Samira L. was sentenced to a one-year suspended prison term for her actions. The scandal has also impacted Taittinger's political ambitions, as he withdrew from the 2017 presidential race citing personal issues. The case highlights the double lives led by some prominent French figures and raises questions about Gallic morality.
The champagne boss who frolicked in Paris sex clubs and the lover who threatened to cut off his 'zizi': DAVID JONES investigates Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger and a scandal that couldn't be more French
Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, the honorary president of the Taittinger champagne house, is embroiled in a scandal involving his former lover, Samira L., who threatened him with violence after their affair ended. The article delves into Taittinger's libertine lifestyle, his public admissions of infidelity, and the legal repercussions of Samira's harassment campaign. The scandal, which remained a secret for six years, has now come to light following Samira's court appearance, where she received a suspended prison sentence. The narrative also touches on Taittinger's political ambitions and the potential impact of his personal life on his career.
Husband 'drugged and raped his wife 200 times before he started inviting scores of other men to his house to take turns having sex with her while she was unconscious'
Dominique Pelicot, 71, is accused of drugging and raping his wife Gisele over 200 times before inviting 72 men to join in the abuse, which he meticulously filmed and catalogued. The trial in Vaucluse Criminal Court reveals Pelicot's extensive orchestration of the assaults, including drugging his wife with Temesta pills. The case, involving 50 men, has shocked France, with many of the accused claiming they believed they were participating in consensual acts. Gisele Pelicot, who has waived her right to anonymity, has expressed profound betrayal and disgust. The investigation began with voyeurism charges and uncovered thousands of images and videos documenting the abuse.
Distraught parents of Joanna Parrish walk out of French court as Ogre of Ardennes' wife gives graphic account of how he raped and killed the Brit after deciding to 'have some fun' during trip to villa
Joanna Parrish's parents and other family members walked out of a Paris courtroom as Monique Olivier, wife of serial killer Michel Fourniret, gave a graphic account of Joanna's rape and murder. Olivier admitted to acting as 'bait' to lure Joanna and described Fourniret's violent actions driven by his obsession with virgins. The court proceedings revealed distressing details, including Olivier's regret and her claim of acting under Fourniret's influence. The case highlighted the couple's murderous spree and the tragic circumstances leading to Joanna's death.
Bemusement in France as media yawn at Jersey ‘war’
The British media has sensationalized the Jersey fishing dispute, using terms like 'war' and 'Nazis,' while French media has largely ignored the issue. The French and British governments have both taken the dispute seriously, deploying naval vessels to the area. However, the French media's coverage has been minimal and restrained, contrasting sharply with the British media's alarmist tone. This disparity in coverage mirrors past differences in reporting on issues like the migrant crisis in Calais.
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