Eight people have been found guilty after US reality TV star Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint of millions of dollars’ worth of jewellery in Paris nearly a decade ago.
The four who took part in the heist were given sentences of up to eight years, mostly suspended, and they will not return to prison because of time served. Two people were acquitted.
Nine men and one woman were accused of carrying out or aiding the armed burglary of $10m (£7.55m) worth of jewellery, including a diamond engagement ring, during Paris Fashion Week in 2016.
“The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family,” Kardashian said in a statement after the verdicts.
“While I’ll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all.”
Kardashian’s lawyers said in a statement she “looks forward to putting this tragic episode behind her, as she continues working to improve the criminal justice system on behalf of victims, the innocent and the incarcerated seeking to redeem themselves”.
On the night between 3 and 4 October 2016, as Kardashian was in her room at the Hotel de Pourtales in central Paris, a gang of men made their way into the building.
DNA evidence for Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, and Yunice Abbas, 71, placed them at the scene of the crime, and the two have admitted their involvement.
Khedache, who is now disabled, deaf and mute, was sentenced to eight years in prison on Friday, five of which were suspended.
Due to time already served, he will not return to prison – like all the others convicted.
Abbas, who has Parkinson’s disease and recently underwent heart surgery, was sentenced to seven years jail with five suspended, alongside Didier Dubreucq.
The fourth member of the robbery gang, Marc-Alexandre Boyer, 35, was given the same sentence.
With most of those convicted now in their 60s and 70s, the group has been dubbed the “Grandpa robbers” by French media.
But since the beginning of the trial in April, both prosecutors and civil parties have vigorously pushed back against notions the robbers were harmless.
Prosecutor general Anne-Dominique Merville had urged the jury not to be swayed by their age and health conditions, describing the defendants as “seasoned robbers” when they carried out the heist.
But the sentences handed out on Friday were much lower than prosecutors were seeking.
Kardashian gave evidence during the course of the trial, telling the court she forgave Khedache after receiving a letter of apology from him.
“I do appreciate the letter for sure. I do appreciate it, I forgive you,” she said earlier this month.
