The numbers involved in France’s largest child abuse trial are staggering: 299 alleged victims, sexually abused in 10 hospitals and clinics over 25 years - all by one doctor, prosecutors say.

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.