PARIS - Dominique Pelicot, the Frenchman accused of drugging his wife and recruiting dozens of strangers to rape her over a decade, on Tuesday admitted to the various criminal charges he faces in a closely-watched trial, French media reported.

Dominique Pelicot had been due to testify last week in the case that has shocked France, but his appearance was delayed due to health issues. He appeared in court with a cane.

"I admit to the charges in their entirety," Dominique Pelicot, 71, was cited as saying by BFM TV, whose reporter was present in the courthouse, adding: "I am a rapist just like all the others in this room."

Prosecutors have said Dominique Pelicot offered sex with his wife on a website and filmed the abuse. In addition to Dominique Pelicot, 50 other men accused of taking part are on trial, which is taking place in the southern city of Avignon. The other men so far have not commented on their charges.

Dominique's former wife, Gisele Pelicot, now aged 72, insisted on a public trial to expose him and the other men accused of raping her.

Pelicot's bad health required the judges to push back his hearing several times last week. His lawyer previously said he wanted to use the hearing to make an apology to his family.

  - Reuters