10 on trial in Paris over 2016 gunpoint robbery of Kim Kardashian

Ten suspects went on trial in Paris on Monday over the 2016 robbery of the US celebrity Kim Kardashian, which saw some US$10 million worth of jewellery stolen from the reality television star and influencer.

Kardashian, 44, was traumatised and left Paris hours after the robbery on the night of October 2-3, 2016. She was not in court for the start of the trial but is expected to testify on May 13 in a highly anticipated appearance.

Those on trial are mainly men in their 60s and 70s with previous criminal records and underworld nicknames like “Old Omar” and “Blue Eyes” that recall the old-school French gangsters of 1960s and 1970s film noirs.

The lawyer for one of the victims is eager to dispel the image of “kind old men” on trial.

“We need to end this myth of friendly, Robin Hood-style pensioners,” said Henri de Beauregard, who represents the night receptionist forced to accompany the robbers.

The nine men and one woman on trial, while charged in connection with the robbery, are not currently in custody.