Photographer guilty of sexual assault during photoshoot

A photographer has been convicted of sexually assaulting an aspiring actress during a photoshoot in 2010.

Pascal Molliere, 55, exploited the then 22-year-old victim during an hour-long photography session for professional model pictures at a warehouse in Fulham, west London in July 2010.

Today (25 February, 2022) at Southwark Crown Court, Molliere was convicted of three counts of sexual assault.

The victim reported the incident to police in 2019 after the Me Too movement gained momentum.

During the trial the court heard Molliere gained the trust of the victim during the professional shoot and then exploited her in a vulnerable situation.

Pauline Curtis, from the CPS, said: “In his capacity as a professional photographer Pascal Molliere exploited a young woman who had simply wanted a portfolio of images to help her begin an acting career. She did not consent to any sexual activity. The victim trusted Molliere as a professional photographer, however that trust was abused whilst she was in her most vulnerable state.

“During the trial Molliere said that he had behaved professionally throughout the photoshoot and denied the allegations. But after hearing all the evidence in this case, the jury did not believe him.

“The prosecution case included strong testimony from the brave victim who came to court and gave evidence against her abuser during the trial.

“Sexual offences are some of the most complex cases that we prosecute. I hope these convictions provide the victim with some closure and encourage other victims of such crimes to come forward and report their attackers. The CPS is committed to bring sexual predators to justice regardless of the time that has passed.”

Molliere will be sentenced at the same court on 12 April.