Dominique Pelicot, one of the worst sex offenders in modern French history, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging his then wife, Gisèle, and inviting dozens of men to rape her in her home in the south of France over almost a decade.

The historic trial of 51 men was held in public after Gisèle Pelicot waived her right to anonymity so that “shame could change sides”.

In her first public comments after the verdict, Gisèle Pelicot said she had found the trial “very difficult” and thanked all those who had supported her. She said she respected the court and its decision, and that in waiving her anonymity she had been thinking of her grandchildren. “Because they are the future, it is also for them that I led this fight,” she said.

“I’m also thinking of the many victims who are not recognised, whose stories often remain in the shadows. I want you to know that we share the same battle.”