Happio receives six-month suspended sentence for domestic violence

Happio, the European 400m hurdles silver medallist, has received a six-month suspended prison sentence for domestic violence after appearing before the court in Créteil. He must also pay the claimant €2,000 in compensation.

The sentence is shorter than the 12-month suspended term sought by prosecutors. Hajar Goncalves, the French athlete’s former partner, had accused him of domestic violence.

At the hearing, Happio admitted to insulting his former partner and pushing her on one occasion. He also described an incident in these words: “I threw her things outside, pushed her leg and slammed the door.” Those statements formed part of the facts considered by the court, which handed down the sentence and ordered compensation for the claimant.

The ruling also provides that the conviction will not appear on Happio’s criminal record, to help with his professional reintegration. The athlete is currently studying physiotherapy. The provision concerning his record accompanies the suspended sentence, while the compensation is a further consequence of the court’s decision.