A key defendant in the gang trial, Yunice Abbas, has expressed contrition for the pain he caused reality star-turned-business magnate Kim Kardashian after the 2016 Paris robbery, in which she was held at gunpoint and had jewelry valued at $9 million stolen from her.
Despite his lengthy criminal record, Abbas claims he had never before experienced the "trauma" he had inflicted on his victim.
"I regret it, not because I got caught, but because there was a trauma," the 72-year-old told the jury on Tuesday.
On Monday afternoon, the prosecution recommenced its case against the ten individuals who are facing charges related to the heist.
"I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian" (published in 2021). Abbas, the first defendant to testify in the trial, admitted to being involved in the robbery in a prior confession.
During his testimony, the subject of the book was raised; Abbas denied being the author and denied any involvement in the crime.
He went on to say that he had nothing to do with tying up Kardashian, who was actually staying downstairs to keep an eye on things during Paris Fashion Week.
According to local media, Abbas and nine others were dubbed the "grandpa robbers" because of their advancing years.
Some of the accused are in their 70s and 80s.
They are accused of being involved in multiple aspects of the robbery, including the alleged holding and complicity of Kardashian, 44.