AVIGNON, France (AP) A 71-year-old French man acknowledged in court Tuesday that he drugged his then-wife and invited dozens of men to rape her over nearly a decade, as well as raping her himself.

He pleaded with her, and their three children, for forgiveness.

Today I maintain that, along with the other men here, I am a rapist, Dominique Plicot told the court. They knew everything. They cant say otherwise.

Dominique Plicots testimony is the most important moment so far in a trial that has shocked and gripped the country, and raised new awareness about sexual violence. Many also hope his testimony will shed some light to try to understand the unthinkable.