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In a Paris courtroom, the trial surrounding the 2016 armed robbery of Kim Kardashian reached a pivotal moment. Aomar Aït Khedache, a seasoned criminal involved in the Kim Kardashian robbery, extended his apologies to the reality TV star as the jury deliberated the verdict. This case, implicating several individuals in the theft of millions worth of jewelry, has garnered significant attention.
Aomar Aït Khedache Apologizes for Kim Kardashian Robbery
Aomar Aït Khedache, 69, expressed remorse on Friday, just before the jury in Paris began deliberations. He is among ten individuals – nine men and one woman – facing various charges, including armed robbery and organized kidnapping.
Plea for Forgiveness
“I can’t find the words to say how sorry I am,” Aït Khedache stated, his voice reportedly weakened by age and illness. He conveyed “a thousand apologies” in writing, which were then displayed in the courtroom’s Voltaire Chamber.
The 2016 Heist Details
Kim Kardashian, now 44, was robbed of approximately $10 million in jewelry during the October 2016 incident. Among the stolen items was a $4 million engagement ring from her former husband, Kanye West, which remains unrecovered.
Prosecution’s Stance on Sentencing
Prosecutor General Anne-Dominique Merville recommended a 10-year prison sentence for Aït Khedache, citing his extensive criminal history involving drug trafficking and robbery. While acknowledging his age and perceived reduced risk of re-offending, Merville emphasized the need for him to “pay for his crimes.”
Defendant’s Admission and Testimony
Merville pointed out that Aït Khedache, whose DNA was found at the crime scene, admitted to participating in the heist but “now downplays the violence involved.”
During her testimony, Kardashian recounted her fear for her life during the robbery. When asked by Judge David De Pas if she thought she was going to die, she responded, “Absolutely, I was certain I was going to die.”
Aït Khedache’s Defense
Aït Khedache claimed he was not the mastermind and that a mysterious figure known as “X or Ben” was the true orchestrator of the crime. However, Merville argued that substantial evidence indicated Aït Khedache “gave the orders” and subsequently traveled to Antwerp, Belgium, to sell the stolen goods.
Co-Defendants and Their Involvement
A similar 10-year sentence was requested for Yunice Abbas, 72, another defendant who pleaded guilty. Abbas, while incarcerated, authored a book titled “I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian,” which reportedly aided the prosecution.
Other Defendants’ Claims and Sentences
- Didier Dubreucq, 69, allegedly the second robber to enter Kardashian’s residence with Aït Khedache, also faces a 10 year sentence.
- Lesser sentences were sought for other gang members who maintained their innocence.
These individuals, predominantly in their 60s and 70s, have been referred to as the “Grandpa Robbers.”
Cathy Glotin’s Role
Cathy Glotin, 78, Aït Khedache’s former mistress, is also a defendant. She has consistently asserted her innocence, stating, “I had nothing to do with this case, and look forward to being reunited with my family.” However, she is accused of providing “secretarial services,” including burner phones, and traveling to Antwerp with Aït Khedache to sell the stolen jewelry.
Sentencing Considerations and Trial Status
While sentences of up to 30 years were possible, the defendants’ age and health contributed to the relatively lower sentences requested. Most defendants were initially imprisoned in January 2017 but were later released on bail before the trial commenced in April.
Kim Kardashian, though absent from the courtroom, followed the proceedings from Los Angeles. Having recently qualified as an attorney after six years of study, she has expressed her commitment to “fight for justice.”
The trial is ongoing, with a verdict anticipated Friday evening.