October 15, 2007 12:34

French rock star set for early release from jail

Singer freed after serving half his manslaughter term

One of France’s biggest rock stars, Bertrand Cantat, is to be released from jail after serving half his sentence for manslaughter.

As previously reported, the Noir Desir singer was convicted of the manslaughter of French actress Marie Trintignant in July 2003 in Lithuania and jailed shortly afterwards, serving his sentence primarily in France.

However, due to his good behaviour while in prison, Cantat is set to be released tomorrow (October 16) after serving half of his eight year sentence.

The singer, who is rumoured to be reuniting with his Noir Desir bandmates, will have to undergo psychological testing for a year and is banned from mentioning the case onstage or on any other broadcast.

Cantat has compensated two of Trintignant’s children and the production company making the television movie the actress was filming at the time of her death, using funds generated from a Noir Desir live album and DVD.

Cantat ’s lawyer, Olivier Metzner said: “I am delighted with this decision, which will allow Bertrand Cantat to rebuild his future.”