Shamed fashion designer ANAND JON ALEXANDER has been handed a minimum sentence of 59 years in prison after he was convicted of raping a string of wannabe models.
The 35-year-old star, whose celebrity clients reportedly included Paris Hilton and Mary J. Blige, was found guilty on 16 charges of sexually assaulting seven girls and young women.
The sensational two-month trial in California heard how the Indian-born couturier lured teenage models as young as 14 to his apartment and abused them in a string of attacks between 2001 and 2007.
The guilty verdict was handed out last year (08) but sentencing was delayed as Alexander sought a retrial – alleging juror misconduct amid claims one of the panel had improperly contacted his sister. That request was turned down and a second demand for a new trial was lodged over the summer (09).
The Los Angeles court denied that request, too, and hauled him back in front of a judge on Monday (31Aug09) to receive his sentence.
Superior Court Judge David Wesley told the hearing that Alexander “showed no remorse for his actions” and sentenced him to 59 years to life in prison.
The 13 women who accused Alexander of assaulting them filled the courtroom – crying and holding hands as the sentence was read out.