A Paris court has convicted eight men for their roles in the high-profile 2016 robbery of American reality TV star and businesswoman Kim Kardashian, held at gunpoint and robbed of more than $10 million worth of jewellery during her stay at a luxury hotel in the French capital.

The alleged ringleader of the group, Aomar Aït Khedache, was sentenced to eight years in prison, five of which were suspended. The remaining seven men were found guilty of crimes ranging from aggravated theft, kidnapping, and illegal possession of weapons to complicity in the preparation of a criminal act. Most were handed prison sentences, partially suspended, but all will walk free due to time already served.

The group nicknamed the “Grandpa Robbers” by French media due to the ages of several members, made their way into Kardashian’s hotel room on the night of October 3, 2016. They tied her up and stole jewellery, including her diamond engagement ring.

During her testimony, Kardashian recalled pleading, “I have babies, I have to make it home,” as the armed men surrounded her in her robe. She told the court she “absolutely thought” they were going to kill her and feared she might be raped.

The presiding judge, David De Pas, acknowledged the trauma Kardashian endured, noting that “even if blood was not shed, you have caused fear,” and described the sentences as “quite lenient” given the seriousness of the crime.

Two defendants were acquitted. However, one of them was ordered to pay €5,000 in damages to Kardashian and the building concierge. Of the original 12 accused, one died, and another was ruled unfit to stand trial due to Alzheimer’s disease.

In her statement after the verdict, Kardashian said the robbery was “the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family. While I’ll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all.” She also expressed deep gratitude to French authorities and reaffirmed her commitment to justice reform.

Kardashian, now a law school graduate and vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, testified that she forgave Khedache after receiving a letter of apology. “I do appreciate the letter, I forgive you,” she said, adding it “doesn’t change the emotion and the feelings and the trauma.”

Her legal team said she was thankful for the court’s decision and looked forward to moving on from “that terrible night,” while continuing to support victims and individuals seeking redemption within the justice system.

Lawyers for some of the convicted, including that of Yunice Abbas who received a seven-year sentence with five years suspended, welcomed the court’s ruling as fair.

The trial, which spanned several weeks, brought fresh attention to the dangers celebrities face and how life-altering events can lead to advocacy and personal transformation.