By Juliette Jabkhiro VANNES, France (Reuters) -A retired surgeon went on trial in western France on Monday accused of raping and sexually assaulting hundreds of young patients, some while they were under anesthetic,

A retired surgeon accused of raping and sexually assaulting hundreds of young patients, some while they were under anaesthetic, told the opening of his trial in western France on Monday (Feb 24) that he had committed "despicable" acts.

Defendant Joël Le Scouarnec's chillingly detailed notebooks —which he used to document sexual violence that spanned decades — are central to the trial.