The numbers involved in France’s largest child abuse trial are staggering: 299 alleged victims, sexually abused in nine hospitals over 25 years - all by one doctor, prosecutors say.

A French former surgeon accused of abusing hundreds of patients, most of them children, has told a court that he admits to having "committed despicable acts" and "understands and shares the suffering" caused to his alleged victims.

The 90-seat courtroom in Vannes, Brittany, was too small to host the extraordinary trial of Joël Le Scouarnec. After various options were considered, a spillover room was arranged to show broadcasts in a neighboring former law faculty.