A male Columbia graduate scholar declared “I do know you need this” as he groped and fondled a struggling feminine classmate within the constructing the place they each stay, prosecutors alleged in Manhattan legal courtroom on Saturday.
Francois Barre, a 30-year-old from France, allegedly waited outdoors of the 19-year-old vicitm’s Morningside Drive constructing on Thursday afternoon and supplied to assist her carry groceries as much as her residence, prosecutors mentioned.
He didn’t seize any groceries however he adopted her within the door the place he “kissed her forcefully on the [back] of her neck after which backed her towards the wall and rubbed his physique towards her so she couldn’t transfer,” Assistant District Legal professional Meera Patel informed the courtroom at his arraignment.
Barre then put his hand up her gown a number of instances and grabbed her buttocks and put his hand down the highest of her gown and grabbed her breast, Patel mentioned. The sufferer tried to push him away however was unable to take action.
“I do know you need this. You style good,” the creep informed the frightened sufferer, based on the legal criticism.
Patel mentioned Barre was captured on safety digital camera “strolling into the constructing with the complainant after which leaving the constructing shortly after.”
The teenager instantly reported the incident to Columbia College Security, who then referred to as 911. Barre was arrested outdoors of the constructing and charged with sexual assault and forcible touching.
The teenager informed authorities she’s scared of Barre and of seeing him of their constructing — the place they stay on the identical ground, Patel mentioned.
The prosecution requested an order of safety and $20,000 money bail.
Barre’s protection legal professional, Amanda Barfield, mentioned he simply graduated from Columbia with a Masters diploma in worldwide relations and could be transferring out of the constructing quickly.
She mentioned her shopper has forfeit his French passport and requested supervised launch.
“He simply desires to maneuver out rapidly,” Barfield informed the courtroom.
Choose Robert Mandelbaum agreed to supervised launch and to the prosecution’s request for an order of safety to avoid the sufferer.
Barre will need to have “no contact along with her by any means, apart from incidental contact on the constructing, the place you at the moment each reside with the only goal of eradicating your belongings,” the decide mentioned.
Outdoors of the courtroom, Barre was crying. He refused to talk.
“I’d moderately not remark,” he informed The Publish.
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