New Delhi, Jan. 28 -- A former French senator was sentenced Tuesday to 1 1/2 years in prison for drugging a fellow lawmaker in order to abuse her, an experience she described as terrifying and leaving long-lasting trauma effects.

Joel Guerriau, 68, has admitted serving Sandrine Josso a drink spiked with MDMA, known as ecstasy, but says it was an accident.

A Paris court found him guilty of having drugged Josso to sexually assault or rape her and of possession of drug. He was given an additional 2 1/2 year suspended sentence, obligation of treatment and a ban on holding elected office.

Guerriau's lawyer said his client would appeal the ruling.

The trial brought national attention to drug-facilitated assault in the country already marked...