PARIS - A main defendant in a trial in a panel accused of robbing Kim Kardashian at the Paris gun at a 2016 gun robbery and stealing $9 million worth of jewelry, he said he has traumatized the corporate tycoon who changed reality stars over the years since.

Yunice Abbas, perhaps the most famous defendant at the trial, said that despite years of criminal history, it was the first time he truly realized that he had caused the "trauma" of his victims.

"I'm sorry, not because I was caught, but because … trauma happened," Abbas, 72, said before a jury on Tuesday.

Abbas, the first of several defendants who testified at the trial, had previously admitted his role in the robbery, detailing the robbery in his 2021 book, I Kidnapping Kim Kardashian.

The problem with the book emerged during the testimony, with Abbas saying he was not responsible for the title and that he played what he called a role in the robbery. He added that he did not participate in fashion week tying Kardashian to Paris, but stayed downstairs to keep surveillance.

Abbas and nine were allegedly called "Grandpa Robbers" in local media because of their age (some defendants in the 1970s and 1980s) were alleged to have a series of roles in the robbery, including possession of 44-year-old Kardashian at the gun and playing accomplice in the crime.

During the inquiry, Abbas described his crimes—he stayed for nearly 20 years in prison for various crimes—including armed robbery at a Belgian bank. He said as a young man, he strongly opposed theft, but turned into a criminal life due to the adverse effects of friends and financial difficulties, hoping that it will prove to be an easier path.

Abbas said his family suffered from crime, adding that he himself “had never been a role model” and he did what he thought he needed to provide his children.

The defendant spoke quickly during the testimony, his arms trembling throughout the process, probably due to his current Parkinson's disease. At some point, the shaking was violent enough that he held the other hand.

Since the 2016 robbery against Kardashian, Abbas said he is now "very upset" about what happened that day. But, he said, “I have nothing but apology.”

Kardashian has been living in a private apartment building in the French capital, and five of the defendants allegedly entered the building and robbed her at gunpoint, including her then-husband Ye's engagement ring, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West. Five other defendants were charged with related crimes, including plans and tips on the whereabouts of Kardashian.

In the years since, one defendant died, while another 80-year-old case was separated from other defendants due to medical problems.

In addition to Abbas, those routine trials will include 69-year-old AOMAR AIT KHEDACHE, known as "Old Omar", who allegedly planned the robbery. His son Harminy, 37, was accused of evading the driver. Didier "Blue Eyes" Dubreucq, 69; Kardashian's brother in Paris, Gary Madar, 35, is accused of confidering others in the whereabouts of Kardashian. Christiane Glotin, 78, is also one of the defendants, and authorities accused her of being accomplice in the robbery.

At least four defendants are expected to be questioned in court on Tuesday.

Kardashian himself is expected to appear in court on May 13.

The reality star and businesswoman, who previously detailed her experience during the robbery, tore her in an interview with David Letterman, described how she feared she would be sexually assaulted and could be killed in the assault.

"I was like, 'Well, this is when I'm going to be raped... prepare myself."

"I've been thinking about Cootney," she said. "If she sees me, she will be traumatized for the rest of her life."

Gabrielle Nolin reported on the Parisian monk Chantal Da Silva from London.